Computer-implemented system and method for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations through tourist privileges

ABSTRACT

A computer-implemented system and method for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations through tourist privileges is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a tourist area of an urban environment are managed through a server. Smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors are each proximate to at least one of the parking spaces. Tourist parking identification cards are issued to an agency authorized to provide tourist parking privileges, which are then provided to the visitors. The parking identification cards are activated by pairing each identification card with a digital ticket issued to the agency. The parking spaces are managed by sensing occupancy of one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and by determining an identity of the driver of the motor vehicle through the nearest smart parking device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a divisional of U.S. U.S. Pat. No. 8,671,002,issued on Mar. 11, 2014, which is a non-provisional patent applicationthat claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication, Ser. No. 61/393,337, filed Oct. 14, 2010, the disclosuresof which are incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This application relates in general to motor vehicle parking control andmanagement and, in particular, to a computer-implemented system andmethod for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservationsthrough tourist privileges.

BACKGROUND

Public roads primarily facilitate motor vehicle traffic. Vehicle parkingis ordinarily offered as a secondary benefit incident to vehiclethroughway. Consequently, parking is an inherently limited publicresource. Within an urban environment, local government generallyregulates parking at curbside on public roads, in municipal parkinglots, and on other public property through a regulatory scheme that bothprovides revenue generation and promotes public safety and health.Commonly, public parking is regulated through a scheme of fees assessedthrough parking meters for fixed time period parking, by issuance ofpermits for residential, commercial, or special use parking, and throughzoning that regulates permissible uses of property, including parking.Parking on privately-owned property is often offered through hourly feesor some form of parking contract.

Meeting the parking needs of motorists requires more than simply findinga balance between supply and demand, yet the capability to efficientlyallocate and manage on-street parking remains elusive, even when parkingneeds are significant, recurring, and known ahead of time. For instance,urban parking spaces characteristically undergo periods of widely skeweddemand and utilization, with low demand and light use in some periods,often during the night, and heavy demand and use at other times. Aswell, merely finding available parking is only the start, as subsequentoccupancy of a parking space must also be permissible under applicablerules. Parking regulations, though, are often complex and confusing,with time limits on parking in residential and business zones, parkingenforcement undertaken during working hours in neighborhood zones,parking enforcement of loading zone rules and rules governing parkingnear fire hydrants occurring at all hours, and exceptions to parkingregulations made to accommodate select holidays, depending upon themunicipality.

Consequently, the impact of regulated control over on-street parkingaffects all motorists, as well as urban residents, local businesses, andother parties that use or rely upon on-street parking. Drivers seeking aplace to park their motor vehicle are most immediately impacted byregulated parking control. Looking for a parking space wastes time,contributes to traffic congestion, creates frustration, and generatespollution, while violating parking rules, such as by allowing a parkingmeter to expire, can result in parking tickets, fines, or towing. Thesemotorists therefore need both to readily determine on-street parkingavailability and to ensure parking regulation compliance once parked.

In a sense, urban residents are a subclass of motorists with specialrecurring needs. Urban residents often lack garages and must park on thestreet at night, on the weekends, and at other times when they are athome. Regular on-street parking requires particular care. For instance,urban residents may be expected to feed payments regularly into parkingmeters or continually re-park their vehicles when they are home duringthe day, which can be impractical and unduly burdensome. As well, theymay be expected to remember to park off-street when street cleaning orother scheduled street work occurs. As a result, urban residents need toknow more than just parking availability; they need to have parkingpredictability, which can be crucial to ensuring their personal safety,for instance, when arriving home late at night, and for convenience asneeded, for example, when unloading shopping bags from their car or ininclement weather.

The parking needs of local businesses are complementary to the needs ofdrivers and urban residents. Many local businesses depend on theavailability of customer parking for their success. In some locales,tourists and out-of-town visitors may constitute a large percentage oflocal business' customers, and a lack of on-street parking, oroverly-complex parking regulations, can discourage these potentialcustomers, thereby harming the opportunities for local businesses toflourish. Local businesses also often need to ensure that parking isavailable for the delivery of goods or for the use of commercialvendors.

U.S. Pat. No. RE40,013, reissued Jan. 22, 2008, to Quinn, discloses amethod and apparatus for detection and remote notification of vehicleparking space. Local detector devices sense the presence or absence of avehicle in a particular parking space and communicate spaceidentification and status information to a computer network. Theinformation is integrated with electronic street maps of the area. Thestreet maps, annotated with the parking space status identifiers, areelectronically communicated to any number of networks.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,791,501, issued Sep. 7, 2010, to Ioli, discloses avehicle identification, tracking, and parking enforcement system. Thesystem includes a meter system that generates image data of a vehicle ina parking space, public roadway, and highway entrances and exits. Inoperation, the system allows license tags, special parking permits,handicapped tags, or other suitable tags to be readily identified, whichallows parking areas that have been reserved for handicapped or otherpersonnel to be monitored. Unauthorized individuals that have parked inthose locations can thereby be determined. An enforcement and trackingsystem receives the vehicle image data and generates a vehicle licensenumber, vehicle tag identification number, and facial image. From theimage date acquired, monitoring of parking spaces is performed andviolation citations or notices are generated.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,768,426, issued Aug. 3, 2010, to Groft, discloses aparking system employing remote asset management techniques. A vehicledetection system and smart meter identify all information as to aparking space, including when a vehicle enters or leaves, how long thevehicle has been in the space, whether the parking meter associated withthe space is in good operating order, whether the requested charge forparking has been paid, whether the vehicle is in compliance withregulations regarding the space, whether a violation has occurred or isabout to occur, and status of usage of the collection mechanism. Thisinformation is collected, stored, and transmitted to a central commandand control interface, which collates, analyses, and transmits reportsto a display. Thus, all parties involved in parking, from whatever pointof view, are able to monitor the status of all parking spaces in nearreal time and make use of the information developed on an interactivebasis, thereby enabling the highest degree of efficiency in managementof parking spaces through real time parking information collection.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,579,964, issued Aug. 25, 2009, to Nath et al., disclosesa method for intelligent parking, pollution, and surveillance control.Parking meters sense the presence of a vehicle parked in a metered zoneby emitting a narrow signal beam around an area where a vehicle canpark. Two pairs of miniature surveillance cameras are included in thehousing of an intelligent parking enforcement device, such as a parkingmeter. The presence of a vehicle parked nearby is sensed by a sensorbeacon and, on the successful acknowledgement of a vehicle's presence,the system transmits a unique identifier to the parked vehicle andcontinuously monitors the vehicle for idling. The intelligent parkingenforcement device communicates with a automobile registration controlsystem, which is informed of impending parking violations and, whenappropriate, a violation summons is issued.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,393,134, issued Jul. 1, 2008, to Mitschele, discloses aparking meter that includes a micro-controller coupled with a vehicledetector that is focused at associated parking space. A paymentacceptance mechanism is coupled with the micro-controller to receivepayment for pre-paid parking. Operation of the parking meter isinitiated by an interrogation station directing an interrogation signalat an associated parking space and the presence of a vehicle is detectedby a vehicle detector. A parking violation occurs when the operator ofthe vehicle either fails to make payment within a pre-determined standbyinterval or when the pre-paid parking interval expires.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,237,716, issued Jul. 3, 2007, to Silberberg, discloses aparking system for sending messages. The parking system has a parkingmeter in close proximity to a parking space, in which a user's vehicleis able to be parked. The parking meter receives payment and thereafterestablishes a parking period, during which the vehicle is able tolegitimately park in the space. A communication means sends a message tothe user's mobile phone prior to the expiry of the parking.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,019,670, issued Mar. 28, 2006, to Bahar, discloses anenhanced meter utilizing user identification technology. A user orvehicle is identified by communication of user data into the parkingmeter system. If the meter becomes expired with the vehicle remaining inthe parking space, a citation is electronically processed and thereafterdelivered to the user or vehicle owner. A vehicle presence detectorutilizes infrared, ultrasonic, sonar, photoelectric, or other technologyto detect the presence of a vehicle in a metered parking space.Recognition of the user or vehicle further enables the system to limitthe individual's or vehicle's parking time to help regulate trafficwithin a municipality district, as well as prevent people from parkingon a metered location for excessive periods of time.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,355, issued Mar. 21, 2006, to Potter, Sr. et al.,discloses an electronic parking meter system. Electronically operatedparking meters are coupled with a sensor for positively andunobtrusively sensing the presence or absence of a vehicle in aspecified parking space. An induction coil mounted below the surface ofa parking area provides positive signals to the electronically operatedparking meter upon both the entrance and movement of a vehicle into andfrom the parking space. A transaction record can be stored showing exactdates and times of the arrival and departure of the vehicle. This data,when combined with other records, can provide a variety of real timemanagement information to a parking manager, including an electroniccitation issuance system.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,317, issued Nov. 23, 2004, to Ouimet et al.,discloses an urban parking system. A wireless network covering a largelocal geographic area is linked to a large number of payment terminals,which are located near a plurality of parking spaces, either at curbsideor in municipal lots. Parking data is gathered from motorists at thepayment terminals, including vehicle or parking space identificationdata. The parking data is sent to the wireless network in response topayment. A plurality of portable terminals is provided for use byparking wardens. The wireless network is used to transmit the parkingdata to the portable terminals of the parking wardens upon receipt.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,493,676, issued Dec. 10, 2002, to Levy, discloses asystem and method for charging for vehicle parking. A parking systemincludes a plurality of mobile parking units that each has a uniqueidentification for installation in a vehicle, and a parking controlcenter for communicating with each of the mobile parking units. Eachmobile parking unit checks its location whenever the vehicle is notmoving and, if the location coincides with a known parking area, acharge for parking is activated until the vehicle resumes travel.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,782, issued Jun. 8, 1999, to Schmitt et al.,discloses an on-board vehicle parking space finder service. When avehicle enters a parking space, a parking meter, equipped with anultrasonic, sonar, or other sensor device, senses the presence of thevehicle and changes its internal state to “occupied.” When the vehicleleaves, the parking meter senses the departure and changes its internalspace to “available.” As soon as the parking meter detects a change ofstate, a data message containing the parking meter identifier orlocation information and parking availability status is sent to a nearbycentral site. When a driver in the vehicle desires to locate availableon-street parking, a request is initiated from the on-board navigationcomputer to the central site. Upon receipt of the request, the centralsite computer transmits a parking space availability message to thevehicle. The vehicle on-board computer displays the parking spaceavailability to the requester.

Conventional parking solutions typically focus on either determiningavailability or monitoring parking space occupancy. Therefore, there isa need for holistically providing a comprehensive set of services todifferent parties with parking needs, particularly in an urbanenvironment.

SUMMARY

Real-time and account-based parking services are provided through anetwork of smart parking devices and parking services kiosks. Eachparking device or kiosk is physically located at nearby one or moremotor vehicle parking spaces. Sensors are also physically located ateach parking space for determining whether a vehicle is parked. Eachparking space has a parking availability status indicator that isvisible to motorists in vehicles from afar in a manner akin to a trafficlight for a parking space. The parking services execute on one or moreservers and maintain real time information about parking spaces, parkingpolicies, parking events, and accounts. Information from the parkingdevices, kiosks, and the sensors is collected into the parking services,which can change the status and other internal state of the parkingdevices. The parking services also interact with drivers, urbanresidents, local merchants, parking enforcement personnel, and otherstake holders through on-line services. Drivers can have parkingaccounts and can establish a parking identity for a parking event byallowing the parking services to read a parking identification card,driver's license, or credit card, or by reading a license plate or othervehicle identifier.

One embodiment provides a computer-implemented system and method foroffering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations throughtourist privileges. A multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces aremanaged through a server. A plurality of smart parking devices that areeach physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces areinterfaced to the server. A plurality of vehicle occupancy sensors thatare also each physically proximate to least one of the parking spacesare interfaced to the server. Use of the parking spaces by visitors tothe tourist area of the urban environment is authorized. A multiplicityof tourist parking identification cards are issued to an agencyauthorized to provide tourist parking privileges, which are thenphysically provided to one or more of the visitors. The tourist parkingidentification cards are activated by pairing each tourist parkingidentification card with a digital ticket issued to the agency. The useof the parking spaces is managed. Occupancy of one of the parking spacesby a motor vehicle is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancysensor. An identity of the driver of the motor vehicle is determinedthrough the nearest smart parking device.

Still other embodiments of the present invention will become readilyapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, wherein is described embodiments of the invention by way ofillustrating the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention.As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and differentembodiments and its several details are capable of modifications invarious obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and thescope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detaileddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a computer-implemented system foroffering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing, by way of example, a smart parkingdevice with a vehicle sensor and parking indicator for use in the systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the parking services ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a show parkingavailability service for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A-5B are flow diagrams showing a routine for a “log occupancy”service for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a “check-in” service foruse in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a “Hold This Space”service for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing a routine for determining parking termsfor use in the routine of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a reservation service foruse in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a routine for an extend reservationservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a “Find My Car” servicefor use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a recurring reservationsservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 13A-13B are flow diagrams showing a routine for a guestreservation service for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a space renting servicefor use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a validate parkingservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a parking couponsservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a customer priorityparking service for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a tourist privilegesservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a scheduled deliveriesservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a valet parking servicefor use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a guided enforcementservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a schedule street eventservice for use in the parking services of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Infrastructure

Real-time and account-based parking services through a network of smartparking devices for controlling and managing all manner of motor vehicleparking FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a computer-implemented system10 for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations inaccordance with one embodiment. For simplicity, parking, whethercontrolled by local government or privately owned, and regardless ofwhether curbside, on a driveway, in cutouts in front of a driveway,within a parking lot, or in other physical locations will henceforth becalled “on-street parking,” “curbside parking,” or simply “parking.”

A suite of parking services 12 is provided through one or more servers11 (hereafter, simply “server”), which are located within a network ofsmart parking devices 13 a-c (hereafter, simply “parking device”),sensors 14 a-c, and parking services kiosks 19. The parking services 12are account-based and enable motorists and other users to determine theavailability of, reserve, and efficiently use parking, as furtherdescribed below in detail beginning with reference to FIG. 3. Ingeneral, a “smart parking server, dumb parking meter” approach isfollowed, where the smart parking devices 13 a-c, sensors 14 a-c,parking services kiosks 19, and parking indicators (described supra) arenearly stateless and the intelligence, persistent data, and businesslogic resides mainly in the server. Color-coded indicator lights andcountdown timers are displayed by the parking devices, parking serviceskiosks, and the parking indicators to convey information, even when acar is present. For example, Green indicates that a parking spaceassociated with a parking device (or parking services kiosk) and a setof parking indicators is not in violation, whereas Red shows a violationof some type, such as expired parking time. Such signals can be usefulfor a parking enforcement officer driving by.

The parking devices 13 a-c and parking services kiosks 19 are associatedwith one or more parking spaces and allow motorists to reserve ortransact on-street parking through the parking services server 11. Thelocation of each parking device 21 and parking services kiosk 19 isknown. For instance, the location of each parking device 21 and parkingservices kiosk 19 can be determined and stored onboard beforehand.Alternatively, each parking device 21 and parking services kiosk 19 canbe provisioned with a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver andthe GPS coordinates can be determined whenever a meter turns on andregisters with the parking services 12. Each parking device 13 a-c caninclude a physical parking availability indicator (not shown), eitherdirectly interfaced with the parking device 13 a-c or remotely connectedthrough the parking services server 11. Physical parking availabilityindicators audibly or visually signal parking availability to motorists.In a further embodiment, the parking availability indicators are virtualand are provided electronically to motorists using their mobile devices,including notebook or tablet computers 15, smart telephones 16 andsimilar personal electronic devices, and on-board navigational orinformational devices 17. Finally, each parking space has a sensor 14a-c that determines whether a parking space is occupied by a motorvehicle, either directly interfaced with the parking device 13 a-c orremotely connected through the parking services server 11.

The parking services 12 and associated parking devices 13 a-c andparking services kiosks 19, as well as mobile devices 15, 16, 17, whereapplicable, implement network security protocols to ensure securecommunications. As necessary different secure communications schemes andlevels can be applied over all communications. For example, public keycryptography could be used in various secure protocols to protectcommunications between all system elements.

The specific components will now be discussed in detail.

Multi-Function Smart Parking Devices

Smart parking devices are located at or near parking spaces. FIG. 2 isan illustration 20 showing, by way of example, a smart parking device 21with a vehicle sensor 22 and parking availability indicator 23 for usein the system 10 of FIG. 1. Each parking device 21 is interconnectedover a network with the parking services server 11. The parking device21 can be networked into the parking services 12 through a wired orwireless connection. In the simplest case, each parking device 21 servesa single parking space 24 in a one-to-one relationship. Alternatively,each parking device 21 could serve a plurality of parking spaces 24 in aone-to-many relationship. For instance, at curbside, one parking device21 could serve two adjacent parking spaces 24. In a parking lot withfacing parking spaces, a parking device 21 could serve two pairs offacing parking spaces 24. Finally, several parking devices 21 couldserve a multiplicity of parking spaces 24 in a many-to-manyrelationship; motorists would enter a number painted on the pavement orother identifier that identifies the parking space 24 that they plan touse into one of the parking devices 21.

In a further embodiment, parking services kiosks 19 (shown in FIG. 1)are located nearby to support interactive transactions for one or moreparking spaces 24. The kiosks 19 need not be assigned to a specific setof parking spaces and can instead be conveniently distributed tomaximize usage within a municipality. A user can simply use anyavailable kiosk 19 to reserve parking, so if a line of waiting usersforms at one kiosk 19, the user can move to another available kiosk 19and avoid further delay. Parking sensor 22 connected to the kiosk couldbe remotely housed, for instance, in low-profile curbside devices andacoustic and visual feedback could be provided to the driver at thekiosk to interactively transaction parking services. The kiosk couldoperate through dedicated software, or execute Web-based applicationsremotely served from the parking services server 11. Other forms ofkiosks and kiosk-based functionality are possible.

Each parking space 24 is also equipped with a sensor 22 for determiningwhether a parking space 24 is occupied by a vehicle. The sensor 22 couldbe locally connected to a nearby parking device 21 or parking serviceskiosk 19, or remotely connected to the parking services server 11, whichthen facilitates communication between the sensor 22 and the nearbyparking device 21. The sensor 22 can be networked through a wired orwireless connection. The sensor 22 could be located in a puck or similarrobust enclosure fixed onto the surface of the street inside of orproximate to the parking space 24, or could be attached to the streetcurb. Alternatively, each sensor 22 could be incorporated into a parkingdevice 21 using, for instance, an acoustic- or video-based sensor.Further, like the parking devices 21, the sensors 22 can be configuredin a one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many relationship with a set ofparking spaces 24. For instance, one video-based sensor 22 could bepositioned to simultaneously monitor several parking spaces 24.

Finally, each parking space 24 is equipped with a parking availabilityindicator 23. The parking indicator 23 could be locally connected to anearby parking device 21 or remotely connected to the parking servicesserver 11, which then facilitates communication between the parkingindicator 23 and the nearby parking device 21. The parking indicator 23can be networked through a wired or wireless connection. Analogous totraffic lights that indicate when vehicles may enter into intersections,parking indicators 23 indicate when vehicles may use parking spaces 24.Like the parking devices 21 and sensors 22, the parking indicators 23can be configured in a one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-manyrelationship with a set of parking spaces 24.

Parking indicators 23 can provide physical, typically audible or visual,or digital “virtual” parking availability indications. A physicalparking indicator 23 can be in a standalone enclosure or located on aparking device 21 or on a conventional parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19. Alternatively, a parking indicator can be located ina low-profile enclosure at the curb or on the edge of the curb. Adigital parking indicator (not shown) can be broadcast wirelessly tonearby motor vehicles from a parking device 21 or other broadcastingsource, such as a wireless transmitter locally connected to a parkingdevice 21 or parking services kiosk 19, or remotely connected to theparking services server 11. A digital parking indicator could also bebroadcast over a publically-accessible network, such as the Internet,and delivered to users electronically. For example, portable or mobiledevices 15, 16, 17 with GPS or other location-sensing capabilities couldretrieve parking status indicators concerning nearby parking spaces.Finally, in one embodiment, a parking indicator 23 is provided for eachparking space 24 and is incorporated into a nearby parking device 21.Alternatively, a parking indicator 23 can be in the form of an automatedsign or display for a group of parking spaces 24 with indicationssignifying which spaces are available.

In a further embodiment, simplified parking indicators (not shown)having a lower physical profile than the parking devices 21, forinstance, through mounting in a low-profile housing or vertical polemounted above the street curb or by integration into or attachment ontothe street curb itself, are provided for each parking space 24.Alternatively, the simplified parking indicators can be embedded intothe curb or within or along the entire length of a parking space,effectively becoming the curb itself, rather than being attached to orotherwise being affixed as a component separate from the curb proper.Whereas with attached parking indicators, naïve motorists may parkindiscriminately in parking spaces that are not available for lack of anawareness as to how the indicators work. With a parking indicatorembedded into and serving as the curb itself, motorists alreadyunderstand the correct meaning of color-coded curbs, as typicallymandated by traffic codes and parking ordinances, and, as a result, nospecialized education as to parking indicator meaning is necessary. Awhole curb parking indicator could be provided, for instance, using alow power large-scale display or similar technology.

The parking indicators 23 tell motorists the status of a parking space24. By way of example, Table 1 provides a list of color indications andtheir corresponding meanings, along with time-remaining values asdisplayed on a countdown timer across various parking spaces. Theparking indicators 23 can provide a visual status indication, such asthrough color-coded indicators located on a parking device 21. Theindicators can be implemented using incandescent lights, light emittingdiodes, reflective surfaces, and similar materials that may only requirelow power, or be unpowered. Under one color coding scheme, a solid redindicator means that parking space 24 is not available at the moment, asolid yellow indicator means that the parking space 24 is only availablefor a short time period, such as less than two hours, and a solid greenindicator means that the parking space 24 is available for a long timeperiod, such as two hours or longer. Analogous to blue markings forhandicapped parking, a solid blue indicator means that a special permit,such as issued to handicapped motorists, is required. In a furtherembodiment, the color scheme can be extended beyond showing availabilityto indicating that the time allotted to park has expired, such as bydisplaying a solid red indicator to the parked motorist. Othercolor-coded lighted indicators are also possible.

Alternatively, visual labels or icons could be presented in lieu of astatic color-coded indicators. For instance, a label or icon couldsignal to a motorist that the time has expired or that the parking spaceis reserved. The amount of time available at a parking space 24 couldalso be shown through a label or icon. Similarly, a visual label or iconcould clarify what type of permit is required to park, such as ahandicapped parking permit. Other visual labels or icons are alsopossible.

As well, color-coded lighted indicators could be combined with flashingindicators. A red flashing indicator could be used to indicate a parkingviolation or expired time. A yellow and blue flashing indicator could beused to signal a reserved loading zone available for a short timeperiod. Finally, a red and blue flashing indicator could be used toindicate a parking space reserved for a guest motorist.

TABLE 1 Context Blue Red Yellow Green Car just Grace period arrivedCounter: Check-in countdown Car Permit Violation Payment Paid. No parkedrequired Counter: expiring Violation Counter: Paid Time Counter: PaidCounter: Paid time remaining overdue time remaining time remaining Nocar Permit No Parking Limited Parking required Counter: availabilityAvailable Counter: Time Time until Counter: Time Counter: Time availableparking available available available

Other colors, color combinations, and arrangements of solid, flashing,graduated, or adjusted lighted indicators could also be utilized asparking indicators. Similarly, indicators other than colors, such asshapes, positions, alphanumeric symbols, or icons, could be used todifferentiate states of parking availability. In one embodiment, colorand shape combinations similar to conventional traffic signs can beused. For example, to indicate the non-availability of a parking space24, a plain red octagonal shape or a red octagonal shape labeled withthe word “Stop” could be displayed. Alternatively, a circular shapelabeled with the word “Park” could be displayed with a diagonal linecrossing out the word “Park” to indicate no parking. Finally, the colorgreen could be used with a circle, the color yellow with a triangle, andthe color blue with a square, as used in some forms of traffic signage.

The parking device 21 can also serve a parking indicator function. Inone embodiment, each parking device 21 can also have an indicator ordisplay 25, preferably located at the top of the device to enhanceviewing by drivers, showing the time remaining in a parking period. In afurther embodiment, each parking device 21 can also include anadditional indicator or display 26 for presenting other information,such as public service messages or advertising. When a car is parked inthe parking space 24 associated with the parking device 21, the display25 can show the time remaining before parking expires. The display 25could transition to a red indicator when the time has expired, analogousto conventional parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 s. Whenthe parking space 24 is available, the display 25 could show how muchtime is left before any applicable time constraint is reached. Forinstance, another motorist may have separately reserved the parkingspace 24 through the parking services server 11, but the parking space24 is otherwise available up through the time of the reservation. Aswell, parking may become unavailable due to scheduled street cleaning orother event. A color overlay could be provided over the time indicationin the display 25 to assist user understanding.

The parking devices 21, whether standalone or configured through a kiosk19, interface motorists and other users with the parking services server11. Each parking device 21 and kiosk 19 includes a user interface (notshown) for identifying which parking space 24 is being reserved anddetermining the user's identification. When booking a reservation, theparking device 21 or kiosk 19 undertakes an abbreviated “Hold thisSpace” service transaction, described infra, with the user. Theparticular parking space 24 can be indicated, for example, by displayingthe location of the space on a map. The user's identification isindicated using an account number, credit or debit card number, or otherunique identifier that can be provided to the parking device 21 or kiosk19 through a magnetic strip or bar code reader for scanning electronicbanking cards, driver's licenses, parking identification cards, or otherforms of identification. Exemplary electronic banking cards includecredit cards and debit cards. Alternatively, the parking device 21 orkiosk 19 can accept wireless transmissions, for instance, usingBluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Max protocols, or wired transmissions of theuser's identification from a mobile device 15, 16, 17, such as a smartmobile telephone, notebook or tablet computer, or similar personalelectronic device. In a further embodiment, the parking device 21 caninclude a camera or other input device to visually scan the user's faceor read the license plate of a motorist's vehicle, a wirelesstransponder to retrieve a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag onthe motorist's vehicle, or other sensor to identify the requesting useror the vehicle parked. In a still further embodiment, each parkingdevice 21 and parking services kiosk 19 can include a pair of cameras, astreet-side camera (facing the street) and a curbside camera (facing thesidewalk).

Parking Services Server

The parking services 12 are account-based. FIG. 3 is a functional blockdiagram 30 showing the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. The parkingservice 12 are supported by a set of services (not shown). The parkingservices 12 and the services are implemented in software and executionof the software is performed as a series of process or method modules orsteps.

Both the parking services 12 and the other related support services maybe executed on one or more computer systems, which may singly or incombination logically constitute a particular form of “server.” Forinstance, in one embodiment, a Web server delivers Web pages and contentto Web-based clients, such as Web browsers executing on mobile devices15, 16, 17. The Web server can be implemented using more than onecomputer, depending upon the load.

Similarly, the provisioning of the system functionality is dividedbetween the one or more servers and the various end-user devices withwhich a motorist directly interfaces, such as parking devices 21,parking services kiosks 19, and mobile devices 15, 16, 17. Programmaticduties are divided between the software that runs in each end-userdevice and the servers. The division of labor balances several competinggoals, which includes a low power requirement for the end-user device,fast user interaction response, and keeping end-user device programmingrelatively simple.

Additionally, the Web server may be supported by caching servers thatcache the Web content and help reduce bandwidth consumption and systemload. The caching servers may also be implemented using more than onecomputer. System state for the parking services 12 is kept in a databaseserver, which keeps track of the state of all of the parking devices 21,parking services kiosks 19, and sensors 24, all of the parking accounts,all of the permits, all of the parking citations, all of the billings,all of the parking policies, and so forth. The database server may beimplemented using more than one computer. As well, the suite of servicescan also be fielded by through cloud computing. Henceforth, forsimplicity, the set of services will be discussed without regard to thenature of the implementing servers or the underlying physical topologyof the supporting computers, except as specifically noted.

At any given time, several coordinated processes execute across theservers. Depending upon the scale of the system, several computers mayneed to work together to carry out each of the services. One set of theservices is engaged with the collection and verification of requests fornew services and changes to existing services. City officials or parkingauthorities that establish new parking policies present a special caseof the services. For example, they may need to initiate a new parkingregulation, which applies over certain hours on certain days. The rulesand parameters for the service could be expressed through a descriptionlanguage for permits, regulations, and the like, with parameters in thelanguage corresponding to policy considerations, what rights areenabled, and cross references to other regulations and permits. Theparking officials specify the parameters governing what regulationsapply in what geographic parts or blocks of the city. Thus, the parkingofficials would be able to state that a parking regulation for a loadingzone has an exception when a parking account includes a “loading zonepermit,” but would be enforced differently when a parking account hasonly a “visitor permit” and so forth.

Another set of the services steps through all of the pending parkingevents. For example, certain parking restrictions may apply concerningstreet sweeping beginning at 2:00 pm. When 2:00 pm occurs, any statuschanges for the parking devices 21 and parking services kiosks 19 on theaffected streets are determined, which can include setting theirassociated parking indicators 23 to signal “No Parking.” Additionally,warnings may need to be sent to subscribed users, typically motoristswho have parked on the affected streets, as well as information toparking authorities to guide them to parking violations. Still anotherset of the services take in new parking reservations, which can includecomparing a request to park in a parking space 24 near a particularparking device 21 with other constraints on the use of that parkingspace 24.

Users interface with the parking services 12 either directly by using aparking device 11 or parking services kiosk 19. Users can also interfacewith the parking services 12 remotely over a network using a user devicethrough a wired or wireless connection. User devices include mobiledevices 15, 16, 17, such as smart mobile telephones, notebook or tabletcomputers, or similar personal electronic devices. The parking devices21 and parking services kiosks 19 also have user interfaces thatinteract with the parking services 12. Yet another set of the servicescan download either parameters or application programs to the parkingdevices 21 and parking services kiosks 19 to drive interactions withusers.

From a user's standpoint, the parking services 12 are accessible throughparking devices 11 that are associated with one or more specific parkingspaces, parking services kiosks 19 that are generally associated with aset of nearby parking spaces, and user devices that allow access to allof the parking spaces managed by the parking services 12. Functionally,parking services 12 are provided in five functional areas, which includeparking event services 31 to handle parking events, driver services 32that assist motorists in reserving a parking space 24 or other needs,resident services 33 that cater to the particular needs of urbandenizens, merchant services 34 that enable local businesses to obtainparking for customers and related needs, and parking authority services35. The specifics of each parking service functional area are furtherdescribed infra. Other functional areas are also possible.

Parking services are provided through a set of parking accounts 37 a-crespectively for drivers, residents, and merchants. Other types ofparking accounts are possible. The parking accounts 37 a-c aremaintained in storage 36 coupled to the parking services server 11.Express, temporary, and implicit parking accounts can also be used. Anexpress parking account is the norm, whereas a temporary parking accountis not permanently stored and an implicit parking account is generallycreated for a single parking event.

The parking accounts 37 a-c provide a parking identity to motorists andother users, enabling transaction-based approaches to reserving,billing, and managing parking. A parking identity can be establishedthrough a parking account 37 a-c. A parking identification card can beissued for a parking account 37 a-c. Alternatively, an electronicbanking card, driver's license, telephone calling card, motor vehiclelicense plate number, or other driver-unique information could beassociated with a parking account 37 a-c in lieu of a parkingidentification card. In the situation where a motorist does not want tocheck in by using, for instance, the electronic banking card or otherdriver-unique information associated with his parking account, alternateforms of authentication could be used, such as sending a text message tothe motorist's mobile phone and asking him to confirm that he is theperson attempting to check in to a parking reservation. Additionally, adriver may have multiple parking identification cards for other familymembers or for loaning to guests temporarily. Finally, temporary parkingidentification cards may be issued by various organizations that caterto tourists, business travelers, and other people, such as tourismbureaus, rental car companies, and other organizations.

Users with parking accounts 37 a-c can make parking reservations andinclude their parking preferences, such as automatically extending theirparking time by some preset amount of time when they overstay a paidparking period, assuming that no other constraints precludes anautomatic parking time extension. The parking services 12 maintain a setof reservations 38 a-d respectively requested on the basis of driver,recurring, guest, and special use needs. Other types of parkingreservations are possible. During parking operations, the parkingservices 12 also track a set of parking events 39 a-c respectively foroccupancy, check-in, and holding a parking space 24 in real time. Othertypes of parking events are possible.

During operation, parking is consumed by real time requests 44 forparking from users, who are primarily motorists and the overall status48 of parking availability is continually revised through the parkingaccounts 37 a-c, sensor data 40, and parking device data 41. Inaddition, depending upon the type of parking sought, users may alsophysically submit parking permits or coupons 45, such as issued by aresident host or merchant, or electronically submit parking codes 46,which are processed and validated by the parking services server 11.

As required, availability indicators 43, user notices and parking alerts43, and other information are sent out, either through a physicaldevice, such as via a parking indicator 23 or the display 25 on aparking device 21, or by electronic transmission to user's mobiledevices 15, 16, 17. Other types of input data or output information arepossible.

Parking privileges can be added to a parking account 37 a-c by a user atwill. Parking privileges can be indicated by a physical permit that theuser presents to a parking device 21, or using a digital tickets orpermits that are electronically transmitted by the parking services 12.Parking privilege permits include permits for delivery vehicles, touristvehicles, street cleaning exemption passes, fleet or bulk rate charges,special use, valet parking, taxicab parking, and other privileges. Theprivileges can include receiving bulk parking rates, priority parking,handicapped or senior citizen parking, special event or one-time useparking, such as would be helpful for tourists or other occasionalvisitors, and so on. Additionally, permits for using a parking space 24for non-parking purposes, for instance, to provide a drive-up conciergeor valet service or to facilitate road maintenance or buildingconstruction, could also be provided through a parking account 34 a-c.Furthermore, monthly or periodic charges for parking could be billeddirectly to an electronic banking card, such as a credit card or debitcard, or through other pre-set payment arrangement, including an accountwith an acquirer that performs payment processing for commercialvendors, as maintained in a parking account 37 a-c.

The specific types of parking services 12, along with illustrativeparking policies and scenarios of use, will now be discussed. Althougheach of the services is described in the context of a particular user orsituation, such as a driver or urban resident, or recurring or shopperparking scenario, the services are not limited to just that class ofusers or situations, and can be equally applicable to all other usersand situations, irrespective of specific characteristics, such as placeof residence or parking. Moreover, although each scenario is presentedwith parking reservation, check-in, and related steps occurring in aparticular order, variations on the specific ordering of steps may applyand should not be interpreted as limiting. For example, when booking aparking reservation is made using a credit card, the system couldrequest a credit card authorization and place a hold on the parkingspace being reserved to make sure that nobody else reserves that parkingspace while the user is awaiting completion of the authorization.Alternatively, the system could authorize the reservation before knowingexactly how much time a user wants to reserve the parking space.Different combinations, orderings, and sequences of steps could applydepending upon the applicable parking policies, the preferences of theparking authorities, and related considerations. As well, in laterscenarios, some steps may be skipped for clarity of presentation, wherethose steps can be implied from the context. Finally, parkingindicators, such as color-coded or text-based indicators that tellmotorists the status of a parking space 24, can be displayed on parkingindicators 23, a parking device 21, or a kiosk 19, but for clarity ofdiscussion, the parking indicators will be assumed to be displayed onparking indicators 23 alone, unless otherwise stated. Similarly, amotorist can interface with the parking services 12 through the userinterface of a parking device 21, a kiosk 19, or mobile device 15, 16,17, but for clarity of discussion, user interfacing will be assumed tobe transacted through a parking device 21 alone, unless otherwisestated.

Parking Event Services

Service: Show Parking Availability

Each parking space 24 has a display 25 showing its parking availability.FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a show parkingavailability service 50 for use in the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. Ifa parking space 24 is occupied (step 51), any parking availableindicators are deactivated (step 58), although the parking device 21 orkiosk 19 may display a “Meter Expired” or similar notice or signal if avehicle occupies the parking space beyond the allowed time. Otherwise,if the parking space 24 is unoccupied (step 51), the parking services 12periodically determine whether any special permits are required to parkin that parking space (step 52). A special “permit required” indicatoris activated for the parking indicator 23 located at the parking space(step 53). The indicator can be provided through a combination of permitcolor, such as through a variation on the blue color used forhandicapped parking permits, and further information identifying whatpermit is needed through the parking device's display 26.

The time available for parking is then determined (step 54). The timeremaining might be limited, for instance, due to an upcoming reservationfor the parking space or under regulations that prohibit parking duringcertain hours for traffic throughway, requirements for a special permit,street cleaning schedules, or special events. If the amount of timeavailable is less than a threshold (step 55), such as two hours, awarning indication can be used (step 56), such as through a cautionaryyellow indicator. If the time available is more than the threshold (step55), an available indication can be used (step 57), such as through agreen indicator.

In one embodiment, the choice of colors and their assigned meanings canbe varied. For example, one variation might use blue, rather than red,to indicate that a space is reserved. Other variations might useblinking colors, such as blinking red, to indicate a parking violation,blinking yellow and blue to indicate a reserved loading zone, and redwith blinking blue to indicate a parking space reserved for a guest.Still other color variations are possible.

Service: “Log Occupancy”

The “Log Occupancy” service notes when a vehicle has entered a parkingspace 24. FIGS. 5A-5B are flow diagrams showing a routine for a “logoccupancy” service 60 for use in the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. Inone embodiment, the bulk of the business logic runs on the servers. Forexample, in providing the “Log Occupancy” service, the interpretation ofdata from each sensor 22 to answer the question, “is there a vehiclepresent?” runs on the associated end-user device, while the remainingcode executes on the server. Changes in the status pertaining to vehicleoccupancy or vacancy are communicated to the server, which server thenapplies rules about what information to send back to the end-userdevice. For instance, the server must access the parking accounts 37 a-cmaintained in storage 36 to retrieve information about the motorist andthe parking space reservation to determine whether “in-and-out” parkingprivileges or other considerations may apply. The server then sends amessage back to the end-user device and requests the associated parkingdevice 21 or parking services kiosk 19 to update the parkingavailability indicator 23 appropriately or display some other message.

This service begins when a sensor 22 detects that a vehicle is in theparking space (step 61). If the sensor is working properly (step 62),either the parking device 21, parking services kiosk 19, or the parkingservices 12 log the time that the vehicle entered the space (step 64)and that the space is now occupied (step 64). The information is relayedto the parking services 12, as applicable. If there is no parking sensor22 or the sensor 22 is broken (step 62), the event can be started when auser manually provides a parking identity to the parking device 21 orelectronically transmits a parking identity and indicates that parkinghas commenced (step 63).

Based on the parking status information maintained by the parkingservices 12, this event can now trigger other actions. For example, ifthe parking space 24 is not available (step 68), such as when themotorist has parked in a parking space 24 that has been reserved forsomeone else, the motorist can be notified that the parking space 24 isnot available (step 67). Presumably, the motorist will immediatelyreturn to his vehicle and leave the parking space 24. However, if themotorist ignores the notification of parking space unavailability andtries to check in, the parking device 21 will disallow the check-inattempt and, if possible, offer a different parking space 24, as furtherdescribed below with reference to FIG. 6. Otherwise, if the parkingspace 24 is available and a fee is required to park (step 68), theparking device 21 can remind the driver to pay the fee for parking (step69), either by depositing cash, coins or other form of physical payment,or providing a parking identity for billing. Following payment, thedriver undertakes check in (step 70), as further described below withreference to FIG. 6. The driver can also be sent an alert 43 that stateshow long parking is permitted (step 71), such as by time remaining. Thisoperation is typically followed by a “check in” service when themotorist approaches the parking device 21 or kiosk 19.

The “Log Occupancy” service also detects when a vehicle has left theparking space 24 (step 72). The parking device 21, parking serviceskiosk 19, or parking services 12 log the time that the vehicle left theparking space (step 73) and that the space is not occupied (step 74).The parking space 24 may be unoccupied, yet remain unavailable, such aswhere a recurring reservation exists for the now-unoccupied parkingspace 24. Thus, if in-and-out privileges for the parking space 24 exist(step 75), the parking indicator 23 shows that the parking space 24 isnot available and the time remaining on the reservation is noted (step76). Otherwise, the parking indicator 23 shows that the parking space 24is now available for use (step 77).

The foregoing description “Log Occupancy” service provides a basicframework of initial actions triggered by occupancy or vacancy of a thespace 24. Further steps may be included. For instance, applicableparking policies may provide buffers of time between events, such asproviding a grace period to enable a newly-parked motorist to completecheck-in, a grace period for arriving late for a parking reservation,blackout periods between parking reservations, and how to handleinteractions when someone arrives early for a reservation.

Service: “Check-in”

The “Check-In” service is used when a motorist goes to a parking device21 to provide a parking identity, or to request another service. FIG. 6is a flow diagram showing a routine for a “check-in” service 80 for usein the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. Check-in is physically performedat a parking device 21 or, if applicable, a nearby parking serviceskiosk 19. Check-in could also be carried out virtually, that is,remotely using a wirelessly-interfaced mobile device 15, 16, 17, such asa smart mobile telephone, notebook or tablet computer, or similarpersonal electronic device, that is connected to the parking informationserver 11 over a wired or wireless network.

In one embodiment, the bulk of the business logic of check-in runs onthe server, while the associated parking device 21 or parking serviceskiosk 19 scans the motorist's identification and sends back the scanneddata. The server then processes the service request, including checkingthat the parking space 24 is available to the requesting motorist and isnot already reserved to someone else. If the parking space 24 is notavailable to the motorist checking in, the server may attempt to locatean alternate nearby parking space 24, which is then displayed by theassociated parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19.

A motorist driving to a reserved parking space 24 out of which aprevious motorist has not yet moved his car 24 could be sent a courtesynotice from the parking services 12 advising that the reserved parkingspace 24 is still occupied. The system could offer the incoming motorista reservation of another nearby parking space 24 or provide compensationfor the inconvenience, such as free parking, credit towards their nextparking reservation, and so forth.

In terms of parking policies, a minimum hand-off interval can beutilized to permit the hand-off from one motorist to the next, therebyallowing some leeway in case the first motorist is late getting back tohis car or the reserving motorist arrives a little early. In oneembodiment, a 15-minute hand-off interval is used, although otherhand-off intervals could be used, as well as foregoing a hand-offinterval entirely, depending upon the applicable parking policies, thepreferences of the parking authorities, and related considerations.Similarly, a minimum time interval can be utilized to allow the driverof a currently parked vehicle some leeway in getting back to theirvehicle before a reserved parking space is expected to be vacated. Inone embodiment, a 15-minute leeway interval is used, although otherleeway intervals could be used, as well as foregoing a leeway intervalentirely, depending upon the applicable parking policies, thepreferences of the parking authorities, and related considerations. Amaximum grace period can be utilized to allow the driver of ajust-parked vehicle to check in. In one embodiment, a two-minutecheck-in grace period is used, although other check-in grace periodscould be used, as well as foregoing a check-in grace period entirely,depending upon the applicable parking policies, the preferences of theparking authorities, and related considerations. Additionally, a latearrival grace period can be set during which allows holders of parkingreservations can arrive late, but not too late, and still use theirreserved parking space 24. However, beyond the late arrival graceperiod, the parking space 24 becomes available for parking by othermotorists.

Check-in is started after a vehicle has been parked and when a userprovides his parking identity (step 81) or other identifyinginformation, either directly or remotely, to the parking services 12after parking. Drivers are able to use any of several convenientapproaches to provide their parking identity. For example, a drivercould present a form of physical identification, such as an electronicbanking card, driver's license, or a parking identification card,through a magnetic card reader or other input device integrated into theparking device 21. Alternatively, the parking device 21 may employbiometric input, such as a fingerprint or retina pattern scanner. Theparking device 21 could also include a camera or other input device tovisually read the license plate of a motorist's vehicle, a wirelesstransponder to retrieve a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag onthe motorist's vehicle, or other sensor to identify the vehicle parkedand the user's parking identity derived from his vehicle information.The parking device 21 could also incorporate a camera with which to reada barcode, Quick Response (“QR”) code, which is a two-dimensionalbarcode that is readable by the parking device 21, as well as barcodereaders, mobile telephones with integrated cameras, and similar devices,or other unique digital record presented by the motorist as a form ofidentification. Finally, the server could be asked to call the motoristand request confirmation via a handheld mobile device, such as a smartphone, or similar device. Still other forms of motorist identificationare possible.

If the parking space is already reserved 24, the system must check thatthe driver is allowed to check in. In the simplest case, the driverchecking in is the person who made the reservation, or a person sharingthe same parking account. If the driver is disallowed from checking in,such as where the parking space 24 is already reserved for somebodyelse, the system could offer to reserve a nearby parking space for theirconvenience. The parking services 12 could also provide more help infinding an alternate parking space B, such as by sending GPScoordinates, text directions, or an image map to the motorist's mobiledevice.

Thus, the parking services 12 use the motorist's parking identity toaccess the corresponding parking account 37 a-c and retrieve his parkingreservation (step 82). The parking services 12 determines whether theparking reservation is valid (step 83). For instance, if the parkingspace 24 is already reserved for somebody else, check-in will bedisallowed and, if possible, the parking services 12 will offer adifferent parking space 24 (step 85). If valid, check-in is processed(step 84) by matching the motorist and vehicle identities to thereservation. As well, providing a parking identity to the parkingservices 12 at check-in enables the server to customize and apply theparking services offered to the user based on settings in the user'sparking account (step 86). For instance, if a motorist has a permit thatoverrides time constraints that would otherwise limit the parking time,the parking services 12 would cause the parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19 to display the time available, taking into account anypermits, or digital tickets or permits, as further described infra, thatare associated with the motorist's parking account 37 a-c. Check-in alsoenables a user to simply pay for parking, either by cash or with anelectronic banking, such as a credit card or a debit card, withoutestablishing a parking account. This operation is typically followed bya “Hold This Space” service, as further described below with referenceto FIG. 7.

A blackout period between parking reservations, that is, a short vacancyperiod may be allotted between occupancies of a parking space 24 toallow a safety margin in case the previous occupant is late in movinghis vehicle. When appropriate, the parking services 12 can enable guidedenforcement, as further described below with reference to FIG. 21.Notwithstanding, traffic enforcement authorities or the tow truck may bedelayed, or other circumstances may intervene, so that a reservedparking space is still occupied when a driver with the reservationarrives. To promote customer satisfaction, various remedies may beoffered to assist the inconvenienced driver. For example, the parkingservices 12 may automatically reserve another available nearby parkingspace 24 for the driver, which could even be a parking space 24 thatnormally requires a special permit. Alternatively, the driver could beoffered financial compensation for the inconvenience. As well, a valetcould be provided at the occupied parking space 24 to take care ofparking the driver's car and providing him with transportation to andfrom the new parking space 24. Still, other forms of remedy arepossible. Finally, the level of remedial compensation may be keyed to aparking service level analogous to airline reservations, which offereconomy, business, and first class service levels.

A couple of scenarios are now presented to help demonstrate how theparking services 12 handles situations commonly occurring during parkingcheck-in. The first scenario illustrates the handling of a would-beparking freeloader, that is, someone who attempts to park in a parkingspace 24 where they are not permitted. Here, a motorist named Alice hasa parking reservation for 2 pm in parking space A. The scenario beginsat 1:45 pm, with the parking indicator 23 for parking space A displayingRed (reserved and not available).

Time Event 1:46 pm Ed is cruising for parking. He ignores the redindicator displayed on the parking indicator 23 nearest Alice's parkingspace 24, which indicates that the parking space 24 is reserved and notavailable. Ed pulls his vehicle into the parking space 24. The vehiclesensor 22 detects the occupancy of Alice's parking space 24 by Ed'svehicle and sends a message to the parking services 12, server sayingthat the parking space 24 is now occupied. The server notices that thecurrent time is within the minimum hand- off interval ahead of the startof Alice's reservation. The server sends a message to the parking device21 nearest Alice's parking space 24 that instructs the parking device 21to enter the “Reserved Check-In” state. 1:47 pm The parking device 21presents the message, “This parking space is reserved. Please check in.”1:48 pm Ed approaches the parking device 21 and decides to try to checkin with his credit card. The server determines that Ed's credit card isnot associated with Alice's reservation. As a public service, the serverlooks for other available parking nearby and determines that parkingspace B is available for 90 minutes at the rate of $1.00 per hour. Theserver also determines that the reservation fee is $1.00 and sends amessage to the parking device 21 with this information, also instructingthe parking device 21 enter the “Offer-Nearby-Reservation” state. Theparking device 21 opens a user interface to convey the followinginformation to Ed: (1) “Sorry, but this parking space is reserved forsomeone else.” (2) Nearby parking space B is available right now for 90minutes at the rate of $1.00 per hour. (3) The parking services 12 canreserve the parking space B for you (Ed) right now for a reasonablereservation fee of $1.00. The user interface prompts Ed to either pressthe “OK” button to make the reservation, or the “Cancel” to decline. Edpresses the “OK” button. The parking device 21 presents a defaultparking period of one hour and asks Ed to select the appropriate amountof time (up to 90 minutes maximum), pressing the “OK” button whenfinished. Ed presses the ‘+’ and ‘−’ buttons on the user interface toadjust the amount of time desired, but ultimately settles for one hourand presses “OK.” The parking device 21 sends a message to the serverindicating that Ed has accepted the reservation and has requested onehour of parking time. The server checks the authorization of Ed's creditcard, which succeeds. The server places charges of $1.00 for parking and$1.00 for the reservation on Ed's credit card and sends a message to theparking device 21 to enter the “Clear-Parking-Space” state. 1:49 pm Theparking device 21 opens a second user interface for Ed conveying theinformation: (1) Parking space B has been reserved for him. (2) Hiscredit card has been charged $1.00 for the prepaid time and $1.00 forthe reservation. He should park his car in the new parking space within15 minutes. He needs to vacate parking space A right now for the personwho reserved that space. 1:50 pm Ed leaves parking space A and drives toparking space B. The parking indicator 23 notices that parking space Ais vacant, which is reported by sending a message to the server. Theserver notices that the parking space is within the minimum hand-offinterval ahead of the start of Alice's reservation. The server againsends a message to the parking device 21 nearest Alice's parking space24 that instructs the parking device 21 to enter the “Reserved Check-In”state.

The first scenario illustrates what happens when someone parks in aparking space 24, where they are not permitted to park, by eitherparking in a reserved space 24, or parking without checking in. Ineither case, from the perspective of the parking services 12, thesituation boils down to what happens when the check-in grace periodtimes out. An additional complexity arises when the parking space 24 isalready reserved and the person who made the reservation must benotified of the unavailability of the parking space 24. For instance, ifa reserved parking space 24 is occupied by somebody else, the motoristcould get some type of refund. Additionally, the parking services 12could permit the disappointed motorist to choose another parking space24 by simply swiping her electronic banking card, such as a credit cardor a debit card, at the parking device 21 nearest the new space to movethe reservation to the current parking location. Here, Alice again has areservation for 2 pm in parking space A. The scenario begins at 1:30 pm,with the parking indicator 23 for parking space A displaying Yellow.

Time Event   10 am Alice reserves parking space A for two hours online,starting at 2 pm through a Web site operated by the parking services 12.The server approves and validates her parking reservation. At thecurrent time, the system only notes the reservation and no communicationwith the parking device 21 nearest Alice's parking space 24 is needed.The parking indicator 23 continues to display Green and the parkingdevice 21 displays a countdown of the amount of time available ahead ofAlice's reservation (four hours).   1 pm The system instructs theparking indicator 23 to display Yellow and the parking device 21 tostart a 60-minute countdown because Alice's reservation of parking spaceA begins in an hour at 2 pm. 1:40 pm Jim, a scofflaw, pulls into parkingspace A and leisurely goes to a late lunch, ignoring the check-inmessage on the parking device 21. Note: to get to the check-in state,the vehicle sensor 22 determines a car has parked and notifies theserver. The server tells the parking device 21 to enter a check-in stateand begin a countdown showing the check-in grace period, as well asinstructing the parking indicator 23 to display Yellow. 1:42 pm Theparking device 21 powers down the elapsed check-in display. 1:45 pm Theserver notices that the check-in grace period has elapsed, the user hasnot checked-in, and the parking space 24 remains occupied. The serverinitiates an entry for a violation event. The server instructs theparking device 21 to enter a violation state and display the elapsedtime of non-compliance. The server also instructs the parking indicator23 to display Red and requests the parking device 21 to take a pictureof the Jim's vehicle. 1:46 pm The meter parking device 21 takes apicture of Jim's vehicle, which is uploaded to the server. The serverlogs the picture and begins notification to directed enforcement,identifying the location of parking space A. The server notices thatAlice's reservation is at risk. In response, the server identifies andreserves a nearby parking space B for Alice. The server also creates aparking compensation event and records an “award” to Alice, ascompensation for her inconvenience. Based on the parameters in Alice'sparking account, the server sends her a voice mail or text message alertabout revising her reservation to parking space B. 1:55 pm Alice arrivesat her parking space, and sees that her space is taken. She has notnoticed the message from the server yet. She instead drives down thestreet, sees a parking indicator 23 for parking space C that isdisplaying “Green,” and parks in parking space C. The vehicle sensor 22for parking space C senses occupancy and sends a message to the server,which instructs the parking device 21 nearest to parking space C tobegin the check-in process and commence a check-in countdown, as well asinstructing the nearest parking indicator 23 to display Yellow. Aliceswipes her credit card at the parking device 21, which sends her accountinformation to the server. The server recognizes that Alice has a nearbyparking reservation and a compensation event. The server verifies thatthere is enough time available for parking space C for Alice'sreservation and cancels the parking reservation for parking space B. Asa courtesy, the server creates a free parking reservation for Alice inparking space C. The server sends a message to the parking device 21 toenter a modify-parameters state and to display information about Alice'scompensation event. The system makes notes to remove Alice's charges andto issue the “award” to Alice. The parking device 21 nearest to parkingspace C conveys the following information to Alice: “We're sorry for theinconvenience for your parking space. For your trouble, we are givingyou an award <described>.” The parking device 21 shows Alice thatparking space C is reserved, beginning immediately, for two hours andending at 4 pm, at no charge. The parking device 21 offers Alice anopportunity to extend her parking according to any applicableconstraints. Alice confirms the parking time and award receipt. Theparking device 21 sends a message telling the server of the confirmationand award acceptance. The server instructs the parking device 21 toenter a reserved-parking state and to show a countdown timer to 4 pm.The server also instructs the parking indicator 23 to display Green.2:00 pm A parking enforcement officer arrives at Alice'soriginally-reserved parking space A, “writes” a violation, whichincludes the violation minutes. The parking fine may include amultiplier based on the amount of time that the vehicle is parkedillegally and, optionally, some of the collected money can go towardsAlice's award. 2:25 pm Jim returns to see a parking ticket on hisvehicle, shrugs, and drives off. The parking device 21 notes whenparking space A is vacated and notifies the server, where the time isnoted. This time is used to compute the total fine for Jim's parkingticket. The server tells the parking device 21 nearest to parking spaceA to set a countdown timer to a value appropriately reflecting theavailability of sparking space A in light of any other parkingreservations or events, and also instructs the parking indicator 23 todisplay Green.

During the use of the parking space 24, parking services 12 monitorwhether the parking space 24 continues to remain occupied. However, evenwhen unoccupied, availability may depend upon whether a reservation within-and-out privileges or other constraints on the use of the parkingspace 24 exist. Parking services 12 can monitor the passage of time orpoll each parking device 21 and parking services kiosk 19 for changes inparking status. Parking services 12 could alert also the motorist ofimpending expiry of parking and either alert the motorist to move hiscar, or offer an extension of time, if feasible, as further describedsupra. Alternatively, the parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19could track changes in parking status and monitor the passage of timelocally, which would be periodically reported back to parking services12 when polled. Other ways to track changes in parking status andmonitor the passage of time are possible.

Service: “Hold this Space”

The “Hold This Space” service allows a driver to establish an agreementabout parking a vehicle in a parking space. FIG. 7 is a flow diagramshowing a routine for a “Hold This Space” service 90 for use in theparking services 12 of FIG. 1. Where the driver had a previousreservation and the check-in confirmed that the driver is authorized(step 91), the parking services 12 retrieve the terms previouslyarranged in the reservation (step 92) and the driver is offered theoption of modifying the terms (step 93). If no reservation was made(step 91), or the driver decides to modify existing reservation terms(step 93), the applicable parking terms are determined (step 94), asfurther described below with reference to FIG. 8.

The parking services 12 can summarize the parking agreement for thedriver. If the driver is in violation or fails to fulfill the terms ofthe parking agreement (step 94), such as where the driver is notauthorized to park there, has not paid the required parking fee, or doesnot move his vehicle within short grace period, the parking services 12can automatically take appropriate action against the offending driver(step 96), including alerting parking authorities about the parkingviolation, logging the violation, or otherwise enabling guidedenforcement, as further described below with reference to FIG. 21.

If the terms are acceptable and the driver compliant (step 94), agreeting can be sent to the driver, along with a reminder about when heis expected to return and move his vehicle (step 97). Otherwise, if thedriver is in violation or non-compliant, the system could optionallyoffer the driver other parking.

The parking terms can offer different parking options. Parking zones canhave a maximum time to park. They can also have escalating rates that goup with time. In some cases, there can be free parking for a period.FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing a routine 100 for determining parkingterms for use in the routine 90 of FIG. 7. At the time of making aparking reservation or check-in, the driver selects the terms of theparking agreement (steps 101-112). By way of example, the parkingoptions include:

Fixed period, fixed price (step 102). The driver could select to pay fora fixed rate for a fixed period of time. Under this option, the drivermust move his car before the end of the parking period. The driver couldask to be alerted (step 107) via an electronic message that will be sentto a mobile device 15, 16, 17 when the parking period is nearly over,such as by using contact information known to the parking services 12under the driver's parking identifier. In some cases, the driver maylater be permitted to extend the fixed parking period from his mobiledevice 15, 16, 17, as long as other time constraints still allowparking.

Open-ended period, higher price (step 103). The driver could opt for anopen-ended parking period. Under this option, the driver does notprovide an end time and parks for as long as needed, subject topre-existing availability constraints on the parking space. The driveris informed of any pre-existing constraints (step 108), for instance,other parking reservations or scheduled street cleaning. The convenienceof open-ended parking times may have a higher fee since the parkingspace is locked up and unavailable to other motorists for an indefiniteperiod.

Open-ended period, escalating price (step 103). As a variation on theopen-ended period, higher price parking option, the price-per-minute fora parking space could proportionately rise as a vehicle is parked for anincreasingly longer period. For instance, some cities, like Palo Alto,Calif., want to attract shoppers into their shopping district byoffering easy parking, while also discouraging people who work downtownfrom illicitly parking in the shopping district all day. Escalatingpricing is one way to meet those goals. This approach could be used, forinstance, in shopping districts where commerce generally benefits fromturn-over in the vehicles parked in that area. For example, the firsthour of parking might cost a dollar; the second hour might cost twodollars; the third hour might cost ten dollars.

To illustrate, a scenario is presented with a configurable parameter fora check-in grace period set to five minutes, although other lengths oftime could be chosen. The check-in grace period represents the amount oftime that a driver can park for free in an available parking spacewithout actually checking into the parking space through the parkingservices 12. There is no penalty for this type of free parking, but thepenalty-free aspect does not apply if parking is otherwise prohibited orthe parking device 21 indicates that parking is not available. Here, thescenario begins with Alice parking her car in parking space A, which hasa parking indicator 23 displaying Green and the parking device 21nearest to the space displaying 02:00 hours, which is the maximumparking time permissible in the shopping district.

Time Event 10:00 am Alice wants to quickly stop at an ATM in theshopping district, so pulls into parking space A, which is in front ofthe ATM. The vehicle sensor 22 detects her arrival and sends a messageto the server. The server acknowledges the occupancy and sends a messageto the parking device 21 nearest Alice's parking space 24 that instructsthe parking device 21 to enter the “Reserved Check-In” state and begin acountdown for the grace period (00:05). The server also instructs theparking indicator 23 to display Yellow. The server requests the parkingdevice 21 to also show the following information: “To stay longer thanfive minutes, please check in.” The parking device 21 continues todisplay this message throughout a user response waiting time beforepowering down the display. 10:04 am Alice returns from the ATM andleaves the parking space A. The vehicle sensor 22 detects her departureand sends a message to the server. The server instructs the parkingdevice 21 to again show the 02:00 time limit and the parking indicator23 to display Green. 10:30 am Bob arrives to pick up some items at astore and needs longer than fifteen minutes to shop. He pulls intoparking space A. The vehicle sensor 22 detects his arrival and sends amessage to the server. The server acknowledges the occupancy and againinstructs the parking device 21 to enter the check-in state, asdescribed supra. Bob swipes his credit card (or other form ofidentification, such as a driver's license). The parking device 21 sendsthis information to the server, which verifies that Bob has not parkedin this parking zone within a certain amount of time and checks the rateschedule. If Bob had already parked in this same parking zone earlier,he could be charged a higher parking fee to dissuade him from movingaround within the parking zone in an attempt to receive lower parkingfees. The server sends a message to the parking device 21 to display thefollowing information: (1) “Rates are: 1 hour $0.00, 2 hours $1.00, 3hours $3.00, 4 hours $7.00” (2) “Rates start with one hour for $0.00”(3) “Press ‘+’ or ‘−’ to change the time” (4) “There is a four hourmaximum time limit on parking here.” Bob pushes the “OK” button toaccept one hour. The parking device 21 sends a message to the serversaying which options Bob choose. The server records this parking space24 as being reserved for the next hour and instructs the parking device21 to display a confirmation message to Bob: (1) “You have reserved thisparking space for one hour until 11:30 am” (2) “No payment is required”The server sends a message to the parking indicator 23 to display Greenand the parking device 21 to set the countdown to show the timeremaining until the reserved time runs out and the parking space becomesavailable. 11:25 am Bob finishes his shopping and vacates parking spaceA. The vehicle sensor 22 detects his departure and sends a message tothe server. The server instructs the parking indicator 23 to display andthe parking device 21 to show a four-hour availability with nocountdown. 11:45 am Charlene arrives to eat lunch and run errands. Shepulls into parking space A. The vehicle sensor 22 detects her arrivaland sends a message to the server. The server acknowledges the occupancyand again instructs the parking device 21 to enter the check-in state,as described supra. Charlene swipes her credit card at the parkingdevice 21, which sends the credit card information to the server. Theserver verifies that Charlene has not parked in this parking zone withina certain amount of time and looks up the rate schedule and otherconstraints. The server sends a message to the parking device 21 todisplay the following information: (1) “Rates are: 1 hour $0.00, 2 hours$1.00, 3 hours $3.00, 4 hours $7.00” (2) “Rates start with one hour for$0.00” (3) “Press ‘+’ or ‘−’ to change the time” (4) “There is a fourhour maximum time limit on parking here.” She pushes the ‘+’ button toadd an additional hour. The display on the parking device 21 updates theprice to $1.00. She presses the “OK” button and the parking device 21sends a message to the server to indicate her selection. The servercharges her credit card successfully and records parking space A asbeing reserved until 1:45 pm. The parking device 21 sends a message tothe server saying which options Charlene choose. The server records thisparking space 24 as being reserved for the next hour and instructs theparking device 21 to display a confirmation message to Charlene: (1)“You have reserved this parking space for two hours until 1:45 pm” (2)Her credit card was charged $1.00. The server sends a message to theparking indicator 23 to display Green and the parking device 21 to setthe countdown to show the time remaining until the reserved time runsout and the parking space becomes available.

Open-ended period, initially free parking (step 103). In anothervariation on the open-ended period, higher price parking option, a firstperiod of parking might be free, potentially subsidized by merchantslocated on the same city block as the subsidized parking. Thereafter,parking fees might begin after, for instance, thirty minutes. Usercheck-in could still require an electronic banking card, such as acredit card or a debit card, with billing to take place according to thealready established parking rules.

Reserved parking (step 104). If the parking space is reserved, theparking device 21 could request the driver to confirm his parkingidentity. If the driver's parking identity does not match thereservation (step 109), the parking device 21 or parking services 12could inform the driver that he needs a valid reservation and that hemust move his vehicle from the parking space 24. As a courtesy, theserver could also provide a recommendation of another place to findparking (step 111) and could allow the motorist to reserve analternative parking space using their parking identity.

Permit privileged parking (step 105). If the parking space requires aspecial permit and the driver's parking account 37 a-c lacks therequired permit (step 110), the parking device 21 or the parkingservices 12 could inform the driver that a permit is required and thathe must move his vehicle from the parking space 24. As a courtesy, theserver could also provide a recommendation of another place to findparking (step 111) and could allow the motorist to reserve analternative parking space using their parking identity.

Discounted pricing (step 106). Various bulk discounts may apply whereassociated with a permit in driver's parking account, or through anassociated fleet parking account.

Driver Parking Services

Service: Reservation.

The reservation service reserves a parking space 24, which can beillustrated by a scenario.

Time Event 8:00 am Making a reservation. Alice wants to reserve parkingat 10:00 am. She goes to the Web site run by the parking services 12 andcreates a parking account for herself. Alice enters the followinginformation to create a parking account: (1) name (2) credit card numberfor parking charges (or other form of electronic payment) (3) address(4) email for communications (5) telephone number for alerts (6)password After creating her parking account, Alice is automaticallylogged in. The server shows a list of any existing parking reservations.She chooses to make a new parking reservation. 8:00 am Alice enters herpreferred time of 10:00 am for the start of the new reservation and herdesired duration of 30 minutes. She indicates where she wants to park.The parking server determines what parking spaces 24 are available nearthat location. Parking spaces are not available when: (1) The parkingspace 24 is already reserved during that time. (2) The parking space 24is already occupied and is paid up through the reservation time. (3) Thereservation time is near and the parking space 24 is occupied (whetherpaid or unpaid). (4) The parking space 24 is constrained by a parkingpolicy, such as street sweeping. The Web page shows Alice the followinginformation: (1) what parking spaces 24 are available (2) how long eachspace is available (3) the cost of parking in each space Alice picksparking space A. 8:05 am The server verifies that parking space A isstill available. 8:45 am Short time available. Parking space A is stillunoccupied. The server notices that the time for Alice's reservation isnow an hour away, which is within the “short parking interval” limit.The blackout period for minimal spacing between parkers is only an houraway. The server sends a message to the parking device 21 to continuethe countdown to 9:45 am and to the parking indicator 23 to displayYellow. 8:45 am After acknowledging the message, the parking indicatordisplays Yellow and the parking device 21 starts a countdown to 9:45 am.9:45 am The server notices that the time for parking space A is nowwithin the minimum reservation spacing interval and sends a message tothe parking indicator 23 to display Red and to the parking device 21 todisplay zero available parking minutes. The server also instructs theparking device 21 to enter the “reserved-meter-pending” state, displaythe parking space number. Finding the reserved parking space. Theparking indicator 23 nearest to parking space A displays Red (noparking) and the parking device 21 shows zero time remaining (noavailable minutes). The parking device 21 begins to flash a “here I am”signal to assist Alice with locating parking space A, which can beflashing colored LEDs in order (blue-red-yellow-green). Alternatively,the parking device 21 can alternates the time display with a display of“A” to indicate the parking space identifier. 9:50 am Alice is stilldriving along the city block where her reserved parking space 24 islocated. She looks over the empty parking spaces. The parking device 21nearest to parking space A shows a display of “A” with flashing LEDs andthe Red displayed by the parking device 21 helps the parking space 24 tostand out. 10:05 am  Check-in. Alice parks in parking space A. Thevehicle sensor 22 registers her arrival and sends a message to theserver saying that the space is now occupied. 10:05 am  The serveracknowledges the message and instructs the parking device 21 to enterthe “Reserved Check-In” state and start the timer for the check-in graceperiod. The server also instructs the parking indicator 23 to displayYellow. The parking device 21 presents the message, “This parking spaceis reserved. Please check in.” Alice approaches the parking device 21and slides her credit card. The parking device 21 reads the credit cardand sends the credit card information to the server. The server verifiesthat the credit card is associated with the reservation for Alice. 10:05am  Confirming reservation. The server looks up constraints and costsfor the reservation, parking rates, and user preferences, which are thensent to the parking device 21. The server requests that the parkingdevice's user interface display the following information and to go to a“set-parking-parameters” state: (1) The start time of the reservation.(2) The end time of the reservation. (3) The cost for the time period.(4) The time left before the parking space 24 becomes unavailable. (5)That Alice normally wants a text message when her parking time is almostup. Alice interacts with the parking device 21 to determine whether shewants to change any of these settings. Alice decides that she hasreserved enough time and will keep the current settings. She indicatesthat she is finished. The parking device 21 sends a message to theserver that Alice accepts the parameters as-is. The server acknowledgesthe message and sends the parking device 21 a message to start thecountdown timer to show the amount of time before Alice's reservedparking ends and the parking indicator 23 to display Green. The parkingindicator 23 displays Green and the parking device 21 starts thecountdown timer. 10:30 am  Finishing parking. Alice has finished hererrands and returns to her car. She pulls out of parking space A andgoes on her way. The vehicle sensor 22 detects that the parking space 24has been vacated and sends a message to the server. The server recordsthat parking space A is vacant and that the reservation has beenfulfilled. The server now looks at the time, existing regulations, andpending reservations to determine how much time is now available inparking space A. If the parking space 24 is available for only a shortparking time, such as one hour, the server sends a message to theparking indicator 23 to display Yellow and the parking device 21 todisplay the “Available” message and start a countdown for the availabletime. If the parking space 24 is available for more than the minimumshort parking time period, the server sends a message to the parkingindicator 23 to display Green and the parking device 21 to display the“Available” or “Park” messages and display a countdown timer for theavailable time. If the parking space 24 requires a permit in the nextinterval, the server sends a message to the parking indicator 23 todisplay Blue and the parking device 21 to display a “Permit Required”message. The countdown timer shows the available time. If the parkingspace 24 is not available in the next interval, the server sends amessage to the parking indicator 23 to display Red and the parkingdevice 21 to display a “No Parking” message. The countdown timer showsthe time left before the space becomes available. 10:30 am  The parkingindicator 23 displays the requested color and the parking device 21displays the requested message.

As described supra for the “Hold This Space” service 90, a parkingreservation 38 a-d can be for a fixed parking period, for an open-endedperiod, or as various permits allow. Additionally, a parking reservation38 a-d may be for a specific parking space 24 or for one of a set ofparking spaces. FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing a routine for areservation service 120 for use in the parking services 12 of FIG. 1.Policies govern various parking considerations, such as the minimumadvanced notice required for canceling a parking reservation and whatmoney, if any, is refunded upon timely cancellation. Similarly, when amotorist wants to park in a parking space 24 for a couple hours prior towhen someone else has already reserved that space, the parking services12 will not let that motorist hold the parking space 24 into the timethat the already-reserved person has booked, so as to allow abetween-parking-reservation time buffer. For instance, a minimumfifteen-minute spacing or blackout period between reservations could beimposed.

Allowing users to reserve parking ahead of time raises several issues.Typically, when a driver leaves a parking space 24, the parking space 24becomes available for other motorists to use. However, some drivers maywant in-and-out privileges that could be provided through a reservedparking space for a recurring purpose. For example, a driver may need toreserve a parking space 24 for nighttime parking, but then need to leavesometime during the night to run an errand. That driver would ordinarilywant that parking space 24 to continue to be reserved for him, so thatparking is available upon returning from the errand.

As well, unused yet reserved parking wastes the parking resource. Planssometimes change and motorists that make reservations for parking spaces24 may end up not actually using the parking. To avoid such waste, theparking services 12 could return a parking space 24 to publicavailability if the driver who reserved the parking space does not checkin promptly. Parking spaces 24 could have a short grace period forarrival and check-in. As well, drivers could pay a higher fee to hold aparking space throughout the entire reservation period, which will applyeven if they do not show up.

In another variation, a driver could be sent an alert by telephone, textmessage, or other means if a grace period for a reservation is about toexpire. This message could be handled by a GPS-equipped device, such asan on-board navigational or informational devices 17, in the vehicle.The driver, or a computational agent for the driver, would have a windowof time during which to respond to the alert by telling the parkingservice that they still need the parking space. The driver could beasked to pay an extra charge to continue to hold the parking space ifparking is in high demand or for other reasons warranting an up chargeto the parking.

Finally, a blackout minimum time interval between parkers could beprovided to allow the parking space 24 to get cleared of the lastparker. The interval allows an incoming reserved parker to just check inif they arrive early. The minutes in the “arrive early” part of thereservation are covered by the fee for making a reservation.

Parking spaces 24 can be reserved directly through the parking services12 or indirectly through a parking device 21, parking services kiosk 19,or mobile device 15, 16, 17. By way of example, parking spacereservations include:

Reserve a specific parking space (step 121). This option reserves onespecific parking space 24.

Reserve a preferred type of parking space. The parking reservationsystem may differentiate parking spaces according to their type. Forexample, parking spaces requiring parallel parking may be less desirablethan those spaces where parking is at an angle to the curb. Similarly,some parking spaces may be longer, wider, or otherwise more easilyusable for parking than other parking spaces that require comparativelymore involved maneuvering of a vehicle.

Reserve adjacent parking spaces (step 122). This option reserves severaladjacent parking spaces, such as needed for parking an oversize vehicle,trailer, recreational vehicle, limousine, or moving van. Grant of theparking reservation requires confirmation that all of the parking spacesrequested are available for the term of the reservation (step 126).

Reserve a parking space near or within a given distance of a location(step 123). A driver may not necessarily need a specific parking space(step 121) and may be satisfied with a parking space 24 on a particularblock or side of the street or that is within a given distance of aparticular location. The parking services 12 attempt to find a suitableparking space 24 for the driver (step 127), who may then enter areservation.

Reserve a parking space with in-and-out privileges (step 124). Thisoption keeps a parking space 24 reserved throughout the duration of areservation period (step 128), even if the driver leaves for a whileduring the period. Another check-in step would be required when thedriver returns.

Open grace period (step 125). This option holds a parking spacereservation open (step 129), even if the driver is late and does notarrive within an allotted arrival and check-in grace period.

Where a reservation is for any of a group of parking spaces 24, theprocess used by the parking services 12 for setting the parkingindicators 21 proximate to the parking spaces factors in the affect onthe availability of the overall group. For example, suppose that thereare two parking reservations in effect for parking spaces 24 on the sameblock and that ten of the twenty parking spaces are already occupied bycars. In this situation, the parking services server 21 can show all tenof the unoccupied parking spaces 24 as available. However, as the numberof available unoccupied parking spaces 24 decreases, the parkingindicators 21 need to reflect the affect of the two parkingreservations. When only two unoccupied parking spaces 24 are left, theparking services 12 show those spaces as being unavailable to hold thespaces for the reservations. Suppose that three parking spaces 24 wereunoccupied and that a car began to pull into one of those parking spaces24. The remaining two parking spaces would then show as unavailable.

If all conditions are met, the parking services 12 reserve a parkingspace 24 for the driver (step 130), which can be confirmed to the driver(step 131), for instance, by an automated message sent to the driver'smobile device 15, 16, 17, if available and registered with parkingservices 12.

Service: Extend Reservation

Parking reservations give a specification of the time over which aparking space 24 is reserved. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing aroutine for an extend reservation service 140 for use in the parkingservices 12 of FIG. 1. A parking reservation is executed when themotorist checks in (step 141), as described supra. If a motorist arrivesearly for his reservation 38 a-d and the parking space 24 is available(step 142), the starting time of the reservation begins earlier thanplanned. The parking services 12 adjust the parking period and feeappropriately (step 149) and can confirm the revised end time and otherparameters with the driver.

Alternatively, if a motorist wants to extend a parking stay longer (step143), that is, he wants to leave at a later time, the parking services12 will check for any existing time constraints (step 146). Ifpermissible (step 147), the parking services 12 adjust the parkingperiod and fee appropriately (step 148) and can confirm the revised endtime and other parameters with the driver. Otherwise, the motorist willbe informed that extended parking is not available. For purposes ofresource management, the parking services 12 use available informationto inform drivers about parking availability. In estimating how long avehicle will be in a parking space 24, a conservative approach assumesthat the parking space 24 will not become available until the end of theparking period (step 145) as specified in the terms of parkingagreement. If the parking terms allow parking for up to three hours, aconservative parking policy prevent the parking services 12 from showingthe parking space 24 as being available for other parking reservationsbefore the end time. However, if a driver leaves early (step 144), theparking space 24 can be made available immediately to other drivers and,if policy permits, the departed driver can be refunded a partial fee(step 151).

Pricing policies as implemented through the parking services 12 can takeadvantage of the dynamics of drivers arriving early, staying later, orleaving early. For example, a driver considering convenience and peaceof mind may choose an option to stay for up to three hours, even if heexpects to be finished in two hours. Reserving a parking space 24 foronly two hours would cost less, but the driver risks the need to hurryback if delayed. In one embodiment, the parking services 12 can warn adriver via a mobile device 15, 16, 17 that the two-hour limit isapproaching. If the space is still available beyond the two-hour limit,the driver could be offered the option to extend the parkingreservation.

Service: “Find My Car”

People sometimes forget where they parked. Since the location of everyparking space 24 is known by the parking services 12, the informationcan be used to help forgetful drivers find their lost cars. FIG. 11 is aflow diagram showing a routine for a “Find My Car” service 160 for usein the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. If in need, an absentminded drivercould go to any parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19, or couldcontact the parking services 12 using a mobile device 15, 16, 17. Thedriver would check-in, and ask the server for his car's location. Theparking services 12 would confirm the driver's identity (step 161) andsearch the parking records (step 162). If the parking space 24 occupiedby the vehicle is found (step 163), the driver could be provided a map,audio, or visual directions for finding his car. For persons withoutparking identities, the parking services 12 could still provide thedriver with directions upon providing sufficient information to enablethe parking services 12 to find the car, such as by entering a uniqueidentifier assigned to a parking device 21 (step 161).

Service: Summon a Taxicab and “Find Me Public Transportation”

A parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 could also be used tosummon a taxicab. Based on the location of the requesting parking device21, a taxicab service could give an estimated time of arrival and fareestimates for travel to a specified destination. The taxicab servicecould be summoned through an interactive application executed on theparking device 21, or by message-based or voice telephone call. Paymentfor the taxicab could also be automatically arranged ahead of timethrough the user's parking account 37 a-c. In a further embodiment, auser could request a taxicab and run an auction for taxicab services torespond at a specified level of service. The user could then pay for thewinning taxicab service through the parking device 21 and enter into apre-arranged fare agreement with the taxicab.

In addition, a parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 could beused to find public transportation for a user. Like the service forsummoning a taxicab, this service is location-based and uses thelocation of the parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19. Theparking services 12 tie in to bus, train, ferry, subway, and otherpublic transportation schedules and could recommend a route for theuser. The parking identity could be generalized to a transportationidentity, which allows the holder to purchase tickets for publictransportation, as well as pay for taxicab fare.

Service: Summon Help (9-1-1)

Each of the parking devices 21, as well as parking services kiosks 19,are networked with the parking services 12. Drivers and other people canuse the parking devices 21 and parking services kiosks 19 to call forhelp during emergencies. For example, a person could open voice or voiceand video connection to emergency authorities, depending upon theconfiguration of the parking device 21. Further, if a camera isincorporated into the parking device 21, the parking services 12 couldcapture photographs from the requesting or neighboring parking devices21 to document the event. The parking services 12 can be connectedthrough a Web site or other communications channel to operators andcivil authorities for handling emergency and public safety concerns.Alternatively, the parking devices 21 and parking services kiosks 19could be equipped with a button to call 9-1-1 directly.

In one embodiment, each parking device 21 and parking services kiosk 19can transact voice communications with a user and take digital images,including still photographs and video, of the immediately surroundingarea using a built-in camera to document an emergency situation. Thenetwork interconnecting the parking devices 21 and parking serviceskiosks 19 with the parking services server 11 provide sufficientbandwidth to upload the digital images and support a voice conversationbetween a user and the 9-1-1 service. In a still further embodiment, theserver has a low-latency method of pushing messages to the parkingdevices 21 and parking services kiosks 19 and nearby parking devices 21and parking services kiosks 19 are quickly informed to start takingdigital images upon receipt of a 9-1-1 call. The time schedule by whichthe parking devices 21 and parking services kiosks 19 take digitalimages is a configurable parameter in the system and need notnecessarily be constant. For instance, digital images can be taken at ahigher frequency initially with a back off in frequency over time.Multiple presses of the 9-1-1 emergency button over a short configurabletime period can be considered a single event. The summon help service,as supplemented with digital images, can be illustrated by a scenario.

Time Event 9:00 pm Bob sees an emergency situation, such as a robbery onthe street or a medical emergency. Bob pushes the 9-1-1 button on theparking device 21 closest to parking space A. By default, the parkingdevice 21 starts taking digital images. The parking device 21 also opensa voice phone call to the 9-1-1 service. The parking device 21 sends amessage to the server to initiate a 9-1-1 event. The parking serveracknowledges the message and starts a new 9-1-1 event, recording thetime and parking device's location. The server identifies a set ofnearby parking devices 21 and sends each of them a message to starttaking a few digital images for a configurable period of time. 9:00 pmThe nearby parking devices 21 start taking digital images and beginuploading the digital images or thumbnails in an appropriate manner.9:01 pm The server starts receiving the digital images or thumbnails,logs them, and correlates them for use by emergency responders and lawenforcement. A 9-1-1 operator answers the voice phone call from the userat the initiating parking device 21. The 9-1-1 operator brings up a Webpage for pending 9-1-1 events and finds the appropriate 9-1-1 page forthis event. The thumbnail views, where applicable, from the nearbyparking devices 21 become accessible as they are uploaded and can beshown on a map that gives the location of the calling parking device 21,the location of the nearby parking devices 21, and the digital imagesfrom the parking devices 21.

In one embodiment, the parking devices 21 and parking services kiosks 19have enough local storage to store a finite number of digital images,such as at least 100 pictures. When a parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19 takes a digital images, the date and time are alsorecorded. A parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 can report tothe server about the stored digital images and can upload or delete adigital image or thumbnail upon request by the parking services 12, asillustrated by the following continuation of the preceding scenario.

Time Event 9:02 pm The 9-1-1 operator interviews Bob and decides thatthe emergency deserves more than the default photographic documentation.From the Web page, the 9-1-1 operator requests that digital imagescontinue to be taken from the nearby parking devices 21 every fiveseconds for five minutes and also expands the region of recordingcameras to another block away. The 9-1-1 operator requests police andmedical services be dispatched to the location of the calling parkingdevice 21. The 9-1-1 operator finishes the call and the audio connectionis completed. At some later time, the 9-1-1 service uploads the fullresolution digital images that were requested from all of the involvedparking devices 21 and saves them in a database.Resident Parking Services

Urban residents, in many ways more than any other class of motorist,must contend with nearly continual parking challenges, particularlyduring the work week, as they attempt to find on-street parkingreasonably near their place of residence, despite the countervailingparking efforts by office workers, commercial vehicles, visitors to thecity, and others. Too often, car-owning urbanites need, but are oftenunable to find, on-street parking on a recurring basis. For example,residents could find reserving nighttime parking on the street, eitherin front of their homes or nearby, convenient, if only such parkingcould be made available to them.

By way of illustration, the following scenario covers recurring parking,such as being able to park at night for a month near one's home, asprovided through one embodiment. Recurring parking also enablesin-and-out parking privileges during the night. Bidding for recurringparking spaces is based on need parameters, such as the number ofparking spaces on which an account holder can bid, the number of parkingspaces that an account holder can win at auction, and a maximum distancefrom a parking space to a residence or other address. Here, Ryan is adrummer in a rock-n-roll band in MyCity and wants to reserve one of thetwo parking spaces in front of his house, space R or S, for the nextmonth, so that he can more conveniently load and unload his drum set atnight, rather than lugging his drums several blocks or risking theft byleaving his gear in his car. For this city, parking auctions are runduring the third week of the month and parking spaces change hands atthe beginning of each month. This scenario covers the case of nighttimein-and-out recurring parking reservations. A fixed and regular parkingperiod for these reservations, such as 6 pm to 8 am, is assumed,although other time periods are possible, whether during the day, atnight, or during off-periods, such as weekends or holidays.Additionally, there may be other cases, where the parking periods needto be variable or are extended beyond a city standard block.

Time Event Jul 18 Ryan logs into a Web site run by the parking servicesserver. He selects the section for bidding on recurring reservations.The server looks up Ryan's address and bidding constraints, thendisplays parking spaces near his address, which are available forrecurring reservations, along with the next auction date (July 31) andthe start date for the next award (August 1). The winning bid amountsfor the parking spaces during the last auction are shown. Ryan indicatesthat he needs one parking space for his vehicle (of the two spaces he isallowed). He places a maximum $100 bid for parking spaces R and S and alesser $50 bid for other spaces on his block, in case he is unable toget the spaces in front of his home. Jul 31 The parking server conductsa multiple-space, sealed, second-bid auction, as further describedinfra. Ryan wins the auction for $80/month for parking space R. Aug 1,Parking space R is not occupied. Ryan's recurring reservation starts4:30 pm at 6 pm, with a 15-minute minimum interval preceding blackoutperiod at 5:45 pm (75 minutes away). The smart parking device is showingGreen (available) with a countdown to 5:45 pm. 4:45 pm The servernotices that parking space R has less than the short- interval parkingavailability. The server sends a message to the smart parking device todisplay Yellow (limited time) and continue the countdown to 5:45 pm. Thesmart parking device receives the message, displays Yellow (limitedtime), and continues the countdown. 5:45 pm The parking server noticesthat parking space R has less than the minimal time interval for parkingahead of a reservation. The server sends a message to the smart parkingdevice to enter the reserved- unavailable state, to display Red (noparking--reserved--unavailable), and to set the counter to zero. 5:45 pmThe parking smart parking device displays Red and sets the counter tozero. 5:50 pm Ryan arrives home and pulls into parking space R. Theparking sensor detects his arrival. The smart parking device sends amessage to the server that parking space R is occupied. The serveracknowledges the message and looks up Ryan's recurring reservation. Theserver sends a message to the smart parking device to enter areservation check-in state, to display Yellow, and to begin a countdownfor the check-in grace period. The smart parking device displays Yellow(check-in). The counter begins a countdown for the grace period, forinstance, five minutes. The display on the smart parking device requestsRyan to check in through a combination of visual and audio prompts. Ryanslides his credit card in the smart parking device. The smart parkingdevice sends the credit card information to the server. The serverchecks that Ryan's credit card is associated with the reservation andnotes that the reservation is already paid. The server sends a messageto the smart parking device to enter a reserved- parked state, todisplay Green, and to set the counter to a countdown to the end of thereservation period, which occurs at 8 am on the next morning. The servernotices that a street sweeper is scheduled to sweep Ryan's street at 9am in the morning, too. The smart parking device turns Green (validparking) and begins a countdown to 8 am. The server gives Ryan a messageto be sure to move his car before 9 am to avoid the street sweeper. 6:30pm Ryan is cooking and lacks both a key ingredient and a dessert forsomeone special. The store selling the items is ten minutes away by car,so he drives off to the store to get the desired items. The parkingsensor detects that the parking space has been vacated, notes therecurring reservation includes in-and-out privileges, and sends amessage to the smart parking device to enter a reserved- unavailablestate, turn Red, and set the counter to zero. The smart parking devicedisplays Red (unavailable) and shows a countdown of zero. Alternatively,the smart parking device may show a message “Reserved” or words to thateffect. 6:35 pm Joe, a would-be parking poacher, pulls into parkingspace R. The parking sensor detects Joe's vehicle and sends a message tothe server saying that the parking space is once again occupied. Theparking server notes the reservation and sends a message to the smartparking device to enter a reserved check-in mode and to display Yellow.The smart parking device displays Yellow (check-in) and begins acountdown for the check-in grace period. 6:36 pm Joe approaches thesmart parking device, which states, “Reserved parking. Please check in.”Joe slides his credit card. The smart parking device sends the creditcard information to the server. The server acknowledges the message andnotes that the credit card is not associated with the reservation. Theparking server identifies a nearby parking space V, which is availablefor at least a few hours, and sends this information to the parkingsmart parking device. The server tells the parking smart parking deviceto enter a vacate- reserved-space state, to display Red, and to start atimer for the vacate-space period, for instance, two minutes. The smartparking device displays Red and starts a timer for the vacate-period.The following information is displayed to Joe: (1) this parking space isreserved for someone else; (2) there is a parking space V nearby that isavailable for two hours, (3) you can reserve this space for one dollarwith no hourly fee at night; (4) push the appropriate labeled button toeither reserve parking space V or cancel the reservation. Joe chooses tonot push any buttons. Joe sees parking space V. There is little traffic,so Joe decides to re- park his car in parking space V without making areservation. The sensor in parking space R notices that the space isvacated and sends a message to the server. The parking server notes thatparking space R is vacant and sends a message to the parking smartparking device to enter the reserved- unavailable state, to display Red,and to set the counter to zero. The parking smart parking device atspace R displays Red with a countdown of zero, along with a messagestating “reserved.” Aug 1, Ryan returns from shopping. He pulls intoparking space R. The 6:50 pm sensor detects Ryan's vehicle and sends amessage to the parking server. The parking server notes the reservationand tells the parking smart parking device to go to a reserved-check-instate, to display Yellow, and to start the timer for the check-in graceperiod. The smart parking device displays Yellow, starts the timer, anddisplays a message, “Reserved parking. Please check in.” Ryan swipes hiscredit card. The smart parking device sends the credit card informationto the parking server. The parking server recognizes Ryan's credit cardas being associated with the recurring reservation and knows that theparking is already paid. The parking server retrieves the sameinformation as before. The smart parking device welcomes Ryan back andagain reminds him to move his car ahead of the 9 am street sweeper. Aug7, Ryan realizes that he will be away for a few days and does not need 8am his night time recurring parking reservation for a couple of days. Helogs into the parking service's Web site. Ryan interacts with thereservation service to say that he will not need his reserved parkingspace from August 7 to August 10. The parking service records theexceptions.   6 pm Parking space R is not occupied. The smart parkingdevice shows that the parking space is available (Green) with acountdown timer of 12 hours, or whatever time increment is appropriate.The parking system issues a partial rebate to Ryan.

Service: Recurring Reservations

The recurring reservation service enables a user to reserve a parkingspace 24 for a repeating, typically hourly, period for each daythroughout a subscription period, such as by the week or month. FIG. 12is a flow diagram showing a routine for a recurring reservations service170 for use in the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. To book a recurringreservation, an urban resident identifies a desired parking space andreservation term, which will typically include the times and dates overwhich the reservation term would be in effect (step 171). The parkingservices 12 confirms that the resident is eligible to reserve thedesired parking space, including comparing the location of the desiredparking space to the resident's home to guard against recurringreservations being issued to non-residents. The parking services 12 alsochecks whether there are constraints that prevent the recurringreservation from being booked. For example, use of the parking space 24may require a special permit, such as for handicapped parking, or theresident may try to reserve a parking space 24 that is not availablebecause the space is already scheduled to be in use. Additionally, someparking spaces 24 may not allow recurring reservations at all. Forexample, the space located at the curb cut of a private driveway canonly be recurrently reserved by the resident himself, unless he choosesto rent the parking space, as further described infra. Furthermore,limits on the length of the subscription may restrict whether a motoristcan make a recurring reservation.

If the reservation term is clear of any pre-existing time constraintsand no contention with other residents is discovered (step 172), theparking services 12 book the recurring reservation for the resident(step 174). In an urban neighborhood, though, contention may be more therule than the exception and several residents may want the same parkingspaces 24. To ensure an orderly and fair process of booking recurringreservations in an urban neighborhood, the parking services 12 can runan auction.

Scheduled Auction. The parking services 12 can impose a scheduled periodfor conducting an auction for the contended parking space 24. Forexample, the auction may take place on a predetermined date, such as onthe first day of each month. Prior to the date of auction, residents canenter their bids for specific parking spaces 24 or, alternatively, arange of comparable parking spaces 24, such as parking spaces 24 on thesame side of the street and on the same city block as their home. Eachbid includes the location of the requesting resident's home and thetimes and dates over which the reservation term would be in effect.Special privileges may apply for homeowners, elderly residents, thehandicapped people, and so on. As well, the bidding residents need notbe present for the online auction, which can occur automatically. At thetime of auction, the parking services 12 evaluates all of the bids andconfirms that each bidder is eligible to reserve the requested parkingspace. The parking services 12 then selects a winning bid based on anauction criteria. All of the bidders are notified. The winning biddergets the recurring reservation. Several auction criteria may be used(step 173), which, by way of example, include:

Space Auction. Contracts for particular parking spaces 24 may be broughtup for auction on a regular basis. Interested parties could be informedby the parking services 12 of the space auction. The winning bidder canbe selected based on the highest bid or other criteria, such as alottery, to get the contract for the parking space 24.

Multiple Allocation Auction. An allocation process can be used, whereresidents specify several parking preferences and bids. The parkingservices 12 allocate parking spaces 24 to balance the residents' needsand anticipated revenue generated from each of the requested parkingspaces.

Multiple Allocation, Sealed Second-Bid Auction. This form of auctionallocates parking spaces 24 according to the following principles:

-   -   (1) Motorists can bid on multiple parking spaces 24, but each        bidder can win only a limited number of recurring parking spaces        24, so no one person can block out all of the parking in a        neighborhood.    -   (2) Bidders indicate their perceived value of a parking space 24        by the amount of their bid, which is the maximum that they are        willing to pay.    -   (3) Bids are accepted for all of the parking spaces 24 in a        neighborhood at once, so that residents are not busy coping with        auctions all of the time.    -   (4) Bidding is sealed, so that bidders are not driven to a        bidding frenzy and last minute changes.    -   (5) A bidder only influences the price of parking spaces 24 that        they win and their bids do not drive up prices on parking spaces        24 that they do not win.        During the auction, the bidding is closed prior to the start of        the auction. The auctioneer organizes the bids for all of the        parking spaces 24 and selects the highest bid over all of the        parking spaces 24. If there is a tie, the earliest bidder gets        the award. The high bidder is awarded the parking space 24 for        the value of the second bid, or a minimum price if there are no        other bids. If the high bidder has won his maximum number of        bids, all further bids from the bidder are removed from all of        the remaining parking spaces 24. Other ways to conduct a sealed        bid auction, including variations on the amount charged, which        subsequent bidder's bid is used as the award price, and so        forth, are possible.

Auction with Subsidies. A subsidy or advantage is given to particularresidents to for various reasons, such as location or to compensate fordisadvantages or other inequities. A subsidy serves to weigh moreheavily the bids received from subsidized residents. For example, asubstantial advantage may be awarded to handicapped or elderly people toenable them to park near their residence. Alternatively, an advantagemay be given to people living closest to a parking space 24 underauction. Winning bids carry the greatest weight.

The various auction-based approaches could take into account the numberof parking reservations existing on a particular city block or in aregion associated with a bidder and limit the number of parking spaces24 that one resident could hold. In addition, a parking space 24 couldhave an escalating price per vehicle for recurring reservations todiscourage a resident from monopolizing the parking on a city block withonly his own vehicles. A delay period between the running of the auctionand the time at which the first usable parking reservation takes effectfor the winning bidder may apply.

Service: Guest Reservation

The guest reservation service accommodates making a parking reservationfor a guest. Guest parking reservations are transacted in separaterelated parts. First, a host makes a parking reservation through theparking services 12, which includes informing the system about theguest. Next, the system contacts the guest, and perhaps provides theguest with a token or other form of identification by which to enablethe system to pair up the guest with the reserved parking space 24. Atthe time of parking, the guest must find the reserved parking space 24,which can include the assistance of the parking services 12. Last, theguest checks in, with an optional final part of host confirmation, whichis needed when the guest has found the reserved parking space 24, but isunable to prove his identity for some reason and requires the host'sintercession.

The various parts of the guest reservation service can be illustrated bya basic scenario. Here, Alice is planning a dinner for friends. Parkingis difficult in her neighborhood. She reserves two parking spaces 24 forfriends. The scenario shows how she reserves the reservations, how herfriends receive the reservations from Alice, how her friends find theirparking spaces 24, and how they identify themselves to the server afterthey park.

Time Event Tuesday 7:00 am Making a guest reservation. Alice is planninga dinner party for several friends for the upcoming Friday evening. Someof her friends live in the neighborhood, but two guests, Bob andCharlene, will each be driving. Since parking is difficult and scarce inher neighborhood, Alice decides to reserve two parking places for them.Alice logs into the Web site for the parking services 12 and selects thesection for making guest reservations. The server retrieves Alice'sparking account, then opens a calendar and asks her to select the numberof parking reservations and the desired day and time for each parkingreservation. Alice selects Friday from the hours of 7 pm to Saturdaymorning at 1 am. She asks for two parking reservations. The server knowsthe address of Alice's residence and displays a map centered aroundAlice's home. The server then highlights two available parking spaces Aand B that are closest to Alice's home and shows a reservation cost of$10.00 each for the evening. The user interface also enables Alice tochoose from other available parking spaces 24. Alice confirms the twoparking spaces A and B. The server asks her to enter either the email ormobile telephone number of her two guests. Alice enters the emailaddresses of Bob and Charlene. She also enters a short text message forthem and confirms the purchase of the parking reservations. The serverlogs the purchase and sends an email to Bob and Charlene containing thefollowing information: (1) The email message from Alice. (2) Approvedcontact information for Alice. (3) Alice's address. (4) A map showingthe location of Alice's home. (5) The number of the parking spacesreserved for them on the block where Alice lives. (6) An image with adigital encoding or barcode that identifies the reservation, such as aQR code. 7:10 am Bob and Charlene receive their emails for the parkingreservations for Alice's dinner party for parking spaces A and B,respectively. 5:00 pm Parking denied. Dan, Alice's neighbor, arrives andparks in parking space A. The parking indicator 23 displays Green(available) and the parking device 21 shows the time available until6:45 pm. Dan parks in parking space A, but ignores the timer display.The vehicle sensor 22 detects the arrival of Dan's car and sends amessage to the server. The server acknowledges and logs the event. Theserver notices that the parking space 24 is reserved, starting at 7:00pm. The server sends the information to the parking device 21. Theserver also instructs the parking indicator 23 to display Yellow withinstructions to the parking device 21 to enter the “Reserved Check-In”state and begin a countdown for the grace period (00:05). The parkingindicator 23 displays Yellow and the parking device 21 begins acountdown for the check-in grace period. The parking device 21 displaysa courtesy notice, staying “Please check-in. Parking space is reservedtonight starting at 7:00 pm.” Dan sees the limited time restriction forthe parking space 24. He looks around, chooses a different place topark, and moves his car. The vehicle sensor 22 detects the departure ofDan's car and sends a message to the server. 5:05 pm The serveracknowledges and logs the vacancy. The server looks up the constraintson parking space A and determines that parking is available until 6:45pm. The server sends a message to the parking indicator 23 nearest toparking space A to display Green and the parking device 21 to start acountdown to 6:45 pm and enter a “parking-available” state. 5:45 pm Theserver notices that the amount of time available for parking space A isnow less than the minimum long interval of one hour. The server sends amessage to the parking indicator 23 to display Yellow and the parkingdevice 21 to enter a “limited-parking- availability” state. The serveralso instructs the parking device 21 to keep counting down the availabletime. The same instructions are sent to the parking indicator 23 andparking device 21 nearest to parking space B. The respective parkingindicators 23 nearest to parking spaces A and B display Yellow and thecorresponding parking devices 21 keep counting down the available time.6:45 pm The server notices that parking spaces A and B have less thanthe minimum time between reservations and that guest parkers are due toarrive. The server sends messages to the respective parking indicators23 nearest to parking spaces A and B to display Red and to thecorresponding parking devices 21 to flash the LED lights in a“guest-arrival” light pattern and enter the “guest-check-in” state. Theparking indicator 23 at parking space A displays Red and the parkingdevice 21 starts flashing its lights in the “guest-arrival pattern”light pattern, as well as showing zero available time. 6:50 pm Bobarrives on Alice's block first and sees the two parking devices 21 withtheir LED lights flashing colors. He drives by and notices that thefirst space, parking space A, is his reserved parking space. He parksthere. The vehicle sensor 22 detects the arrival of Bob's car and sendsa message to the server. The parking server acknowledges the message andnotices that a guest is expected. The server also instructs the parkingindicator 23 to display Yellow with instructions to the parking device21 to enter the “Reserved Check-In. This space reserved now for guestcheck- in” state and begin a countdown for the grace period (00:05). Bobapproaches the parking device 21 and pushes a “check-in” button. Theparking device 21 sends a message to the server. The server reviewscheck-in options for Bob. The server notices from Bob's email addressthat Bob already has a parking account with Bob's credit card number andtelephone number. The server sends a message to the parking device 21with this information. The parking device 21 presents choices forchecking in to Bob, who chooses to check in by sliding his credit card.The parking device 21 sends the credit card information to the server,which recognizes the credit card number as acceptable proof of identityfor Bob. The server creates a message for the parking device 21 with thefollowing information: (1) Welcoming Bob (2) Telling him that hisparking space 24 is reserved and paid through 1 am (3) A message fromAlice Since Bob has a parking account, the server looks up Bob'spreferences. The server notices that Bob wants text alerts when time isrunning out. The server sends a message to parking indicator 23 todisplay Green and the parking device 21 to begin a countdown to 1 am.The server also instructs the parking device 21 to enter the“parking-unavailable” state and stop flashing the “guest-arrival” lightpattern. The parking indicator 23 displays Green (for paid) and theparking device 21 displays the message to Bob and begins a countdown to1 am. The parking device 21 also stops flashing the “guest-arrival”light pattern. Bob walks to Alice's house. 7:05 pm Charlene arrives onAlice's block. She sees the flashing Yellow parking indicator 23. Shedrives over and finds the parking indicator 23 is at parking space B.She parks there. The vehicle sensor 22 detects the arrival of Charlene'scar and sends a message to the server. The parking server acknowledgesthe message and notices that a guest is expected. The server alsoinstructs the parking indicator 23 to display Yellow with instructionsto the parking device 21 to enter the “Reserved Check-In. This spacereserved now for guest check- in” state and begin a countdown for thegrace period (00:05). Charlene approaches the parking device 21 andpushes a “check-in” button. The parking device 21 sends a message to theserver. The server reviews check-in options for Charlene and noticesthat Charlene does not have a parking account with the parking services12. The server remembers sending a QR code to Charlene through her emailaccount. Charlene could also use host confirmation to check in. Theserver puts information about these options into a message, which issent to the parking device 21. The parking device 21 displays themessage to Charlene, who conveniently already has a printout of the QRcode ready. Charlene holds the QR code in front of the parking device21, which scans the QR code and sends the QR code to the server. Theserver checks the QR code, which is correct and accepted as proof ofidentity for Charlene. The server creates a message for the parkingdevice 21 with the following information: (1) Welcoming Alice (2)Telling her that her parking space 24 is reserved and paid through 1 am(3) A message from Alice The server sends a message to parking indicator23 to display Green and the parking device 21 to begin a countdown to 1am. The server also instructs the parking device 21 to enter the“parking- unavailable” state and stop flashing the “guest-arrival” lightpattern. The parking indicator 23 displays Green (for paid) and theparking device 21 displays the message to Bob and begins a countdown to1 am. The parking device 21 also stops flashing the “guest-arrival”light pattern. Charlene walks to Alice's house. 11:30 pm Bob leavesAlice's dinner party. He goes to his car and drives home. The vehiclesensor 22 detects the departure of Bob's car and sends a message to theserver. The server logs that Bob has left and looks up constraints onthe parking space 24. The server finds that there are no parkingreservations until 10:00 am on Saturday and sends a message to theparking indicator 23 to display Green and the parking device to enter a“parking-available” state and start counting down until 10:00 am.In a variation on this scenario, Alice could be permitted to reserve ablock of parking spaces 24 without assigning specific spaces to specificpeople. In other cases, she could assign individual parking spaces 24.As well, Charlene may not have the QR code available at check-in and theparking device 21 could offer to call Alice, who could then push abutton on her telephone or say, “Yes” to a recorded confirmatory messagethat included Charlene's voice. In other variations, the server couldsend a text message to Charlene's mobile telephone. She could reply,“Yes” to signal arrival at the parking space 24. Still other variationsare on guest parking are possible.

The guest parking service differs from a regular reservation in that theparking services 12 need to validate a possibly unknown guest when theypark. In several of these approaches, the parking services 12 canprovide a grace period for the host and guest to carry out thevalidation process. FIGS. 13A-13B are flow diagrams showing a routinefor a guest reservation service 180 for use in the parking services 12of FIG. 1. Several approaches can be used to enable the guest to checkin when they have parked. By way of example, the approaches include:

Parking Code (step 182). When a host creates a guest reservation (step181), the parking services 12 generates a parking code, such as afour-digit number, that the guest can enter into a parking device 21 orparking services kiosk 19 at check-in present. The parking code can begenerated in various different ways, such as in the form of an email, ortext message. The parking code is given to the host, which he can passon to the guest or enter into a parking device 21 or parking serviceskiosk 19 himself (step 186).

Guest Identification (step 183). When a host creates a guest reservation(step 181), the host can provide the name of the guest (step 187) andpossibly other information that can help to identify the guest, such asthe guest's telephone number or email address, to the parking services12, which can be used to match a guest to the guest reservation duringcheck-in. If the parking identity of the guest is known to the parkingservices 12 by virtue of having a parking account 37 a-c, the guest canuse his parking identity or other identification during check-in.

Physical Digital Record (step 184). When a host creates a guestreservation (step 181), the parking services 12 send the host a barcode, QR code, or other unique digital record (step 188) that can bephysically reproduced for the parking event, generally by print out bythe host or the guest, together with directions for finding the parkingspace 24. The guest presents a facsimile or other printout of thephysical digital record using the user interface of a parking device 21at check-in, which the parking device 21 can digitally read and use toconfirm the reservation.

Digital Ticket or Permit (step 185). When a host creates a guestreservation (step 181), the host receives a digital object, possiblyencrypted, which is electronically transmitted to the guest (step 188).The guest presents the digital ticket or permit to the parking services12 at check-in through transmission or display from a mobile device 15,16, 17.

Host Confirmation (step 190). The validity of a guest could be confirmedby the host. The parking services 12 contact the host when the parkingevent occurs (step 191), or the guest contacts the host directly, suchas by mobile telephone. The use of the reserved parking space isconditioned upon the host confirming the motorist's identity as theguest. Alternatively, the parking device 21 could open a voice, textmessage, or video connection to the host. The host then would confirmvia a networked device that the vehicle in the parking space belongs tothe guest (step 192).

In a further embodiment, a host is permitted to make reservations formultiple guests at the same time. For example, the host could reserve agroup of parking spaces 24 and get a single parking code or digitalticket or permit for all guests. A guest could park in any of theavailable parking spaces 24 in the group.

The parking services 12 also can help guests find their reserved parkingspaces 24 (step 193). In the simplest case, the parking spaces 24 maysimply be labeled. However, labels may be difficult to see at night.Alternatively, the parking services 12 could cause the parkingindicators 23 to flash using, for instance, red-and-green lights, todraw the attention of the guest searching for the parking space 24. Theflashing behavior could begin at the beginning of the parkingreservation period. The parking services 12 could also flash the lightson or give some other indication using a parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19 when the guest gets near the parking space 24 orrequests additional assistance. The request could be made via anapplication on the guest's mobile device 15, 16, 17 or just be triggeredby the start time of the guest reservation.

If the parking reservation was communicated electronically, such as byemail or text message, a map could be included by the parking services12, as well as GPS coordinates for the parking space 24, which couldboth be transmitted into a GPS application in the guest's mobile device15, 16, 17 to guide the guest to the parking space 24. As well, theparking reservation can be provided as a hyperlink, such as a UniformResource Identifier (URI) to open up a Web page with directions andother information using a QR code or similar information encoding. Themobile device 15, 16, 17 may itself be able to alert the guest that theyare near their guest parking space 24, or could send a signal to theparking services 12, parking device 21, or parking services kiosk 19 toask that a parking indicator 23 or other indication be enabled to guidethe driver in. As well, the guest could be given a telephone number tocall shortly before reaching the area to request that the indicatorsbegin flashing. The GPS coordinates of the parking space 24 could alsobe provided to applications executing on on-board navigational orinformational devices 17 in the guest's vehicle or on a mobile device15, 16, 17 to provide maps, audio, or visual signals as to the guest asthey near the parking space 24.

Service: Space Renting

In urban settings, non-public parking spaces 24, such as privatedriveways or curb cuts in front of residences and other buildings, attimes remain unavailable simply for lack of an easy way to indicate thetimes when those parking spaces 24 could be used by the public. Forexample, residential driveways are ordinarily on private property andgenerally unavailable to people who do not know the owners or otherwiselack permission. Similarly, curb cuts where driveways meet the streetare generally off-limits to park. As well, small businesses often haveparking lots, which remain empty outside of regular business hours, yetcould be used by other motorists if some way of controlling their usewas available.

Guest parking reservations are transacted in separate related parts.First, the controller of the potential parking space 24, typically, theproperty owner, resident, or custodian, must be identified. Only thespace's legitimate controller can be provided by the parking services 12with the privilege for controlling that parking space 24 on theirparking account. Next, the controller interacts with the parkingservices 24 to establish times of availability for the potential parkingspace 24. Third, the controller is allowed to check online using, forinstance, a Web site operated by the parking services 12, to determinewhether the parking space 24 is currently occupied. Finally, parkingservices 12 must be able to contact or send a message to the motoristcurrently using the parking space 24, generally on the behalf of thespace's controller.

The “space renting” service enables individuals holding rights to orotherwise in legitimate control of potential parking spaces, such aslandlords or urban residents, to make those parking spaces 24 availablefor public parking during periods that they specify, therebysupplementing the supply of public parking spaces. Space renting can beillustrated by a scenario. In this scenario, a residential street is ablock or so away from a busy commercial street. On the commercialstreet, curbside on-street parking is usually full during the day, whileparking is limited on the residential street due to a plethora of curbcuts that leave amounts of space too short to offer practicable parking.Here, parking devices 21 and parking indicators 23 are placed atdriveway curb cuts. Parking in front of the driveways is intermediatedby the parking infrastructure and to encourage residents to make theirdriveway space available for public parking, a portion of the parkingrevenues is shared with the affected residents.

Time Event Saturday Alice has an agreement with the parking authoritiesto rent out the curb space in front of her driveway when possible. Theparking services 12 notices that Alice has not yet confirmed any parkinghour assignments for this week and emails a reminder to Alice. Sunday,10 am Weekly setup. Alice reads the email reminder. By default, shemakes her parking space 24 available nominally from 10 am until 5 pm onmost weekdays. Normally she takes Friday off and reserves the parkingspace 24 for her own use. However, on Thursday of this week, sheremembers that she wants to keep her driveway clear because herrelatives will be visiting and she needs to run errands. Alice logs intoher parking account. She selects the Web page that controls theavailability of her curb space. Interacting with a calendar interface,Alice changes her curb space availability to omit availability onThursday. Monday, 9:00 am The parking indicator 23 at Alice's parkingspace 24 displays Red (unavailable) and the corresponding parking device21 shows a countdown to 10 am. 9:30 am Alice gets ready to leave forwork. Pulling out of driveway. As Alice starts to pull out of herdriveway, the vehicle sensor 22 detects the movement of her car andsends a message to the server. The server acknowledges the message andnotices that the parking space 24 is reserved for Alice. The serverinstructs the parking indicator 23 to display Yellow and the parkingdevice 21 to enter the “check-in reserved” state with a countdown forthe check-in grace period. The parking indicator 23 displays Yellow andthe parking device displays, “Please check in.” The countdown timerbegins. 9:31 am Alice pulls into the street and drives off to workwithout interacting with the parking device 21. The vehicle sensor 22detects that the parking space 24 is no longer occupied and sends amessage to the server. The server logs that the parking space 24 is notoccupied and notices that the parking space 24 is still reserved byAlice until 10:00 am. The server instructs the parking indicator 23 todisplay Red and the parking device 21 to display, “NoParking--Reserved.” The server also instructs the parking device 21 toenter the “no-parking-reserved state” and start the timer to countdownuntil 10 am. The parking indicator 23 displays Red and the parkingdevice 21 displays, a “No Parking-Reserved” message. The parking device21 also starts the countdown timer to show the time remaining until openparking is available in Alice's parking space 24. 9:45 am The servercarries out a routine periodic “ping” of Alice's parking device 21 andrequests the parking device 21 to enter the “report- status” state. Theparking device 21 receives the message, checks its status, and sendsback a status report. The report includes the information that theparking space 24 is vacant and may also optionally include othermaintenance statistics, such as battery status, charging rate, and soforth. 10:00 am Marking space as available. The server notices that theparking space 24 is vacant and not reserved. The server also noticesthat there is a four-hour parking limit for the neighborhood, that theparking space 24 is reserved for Alice at 5 pm, and that no otherconstraints are in place for today. The server sends a message to theparking indicator 23 to display Green and the parking device 21 to enterthe “parking-available” state with a countdown timer set for four hoursthat is not counting down. The parking indicator 23 displays Green andthe parking device 21 sets the timer to show 4:00 hours availability.12:45 pm The server notices that the available time on Alice's parkingspace 24 is now four hours, including a 15-minute minimum in-betweenreservation interval. The server sends a message to the parkingindicator 23 to continue to display Green and the parking device 21 tocontinue the “parking-available” state, but to start the timer countingdown from four hours to zero, ending at 4:45 pm. The parking device 21starts the countdown timer to show the remaining available time,counting down to 4:45 pm. 1:00 pm Public Parking. Bob cannot findparking on the commercial street near Alice's street. He sees that theparking space 24 in front of Alice's driveway is available and parksthere. The vehicle sensor 22 detects Bob's arrival and sends a messageto the server. The server acknowledges the message and logs theoccupancy. The server checks for any open constraints and sees that theparking space 24 is available for parking. The server instructs theparking indicator 23 to display Yellow and the parking device 21 toenter the “check-in” state with a parking timer counting down thecheck-in grace period of two minutes. The parking indicator 23 displaysYellow and the parking device 21 starts the countdown for the check-ingrace period. The parking device 21 prompts Bob to “Please check in.”Bob approaches the parking device 21 and slides his credit card. Theparking device 21 sends his credit card information to the server. Theserver checks and authorizes Bob's credit card. The server determinesthe parking time available and applicable parking rates. The servernotices that Bob likes to get text message to warn that his parking timeis running out and sends the information to the parking device 21. Theparking device 21 displays a notice that the parking space 24 isavailable until 4:45 pm and that the parking rate is $1.00 per hour. Theparking device 21 defaults to one hour of parking and tells Bob to usethe buttons on the user interface to revise his parking time. Bobchooses to park for only two hours, that is, until 3 pm. The parkingdevice 21 sends Bob's parking choices to the server. The serverinstructs the parking indicator 23 to display Green (paid) and theparking device 21 to start the timer to countdown from two hours (timeleft) and enter the “paid-parking” state. The server logs the parkingevent to credit a portion of the parking revenue to Alice for makingparking on her driveway available to the public. 2 pm Coming home early.Alice decides to go home early. She logs into the parking service 12using the Web site, or alternatively, uses an app on her mobiletelephone. Alice discovers that her driveway parking space is nowoccupied and paid until 3 pm. Through the server, she adjusts theavailability time for her parking space 24 for the remainder of today tomake the parking space 24 unavailable to the public as the currentparker, Bob, leaves. Alice indicates that she wants to get a textmessage when the parking space 24 becomes available. 2:15 pm Bobfinishes his errands early. He returns to his car and vacates theparking space. The vehicle sensor 22 detects his departure and sends amessage to the server. The server acknowledges the message and logs thatthe parking space 24 is vacant. The server checks for any constraintsand notices that Alice is re-assigning the parking space to her own use.The server also notices that she has requested a text message when theparking space 24 becomes vacant, which the server sends to Alice. Theserver instructs the parking indicator 23 to display Red and the parkingdevice 21 to display a message “No Parking-Reserved” with a countdown to10:00 am. The server instructs the parking device 21 to enter the“no-parking” state. 2:30 pm Alice receives the text message from theserver. On the way home, she stops at a grocery store. 3:00 pm Residentin driveway. Alice pulls into her driveway, but pauses at the start ofher driveway to unload some things from her car. The vehicle sensor 22detects Alice's car at the end of her driveway and sends an occupancymessage to the server. The server notices that the parking space 24 isreserved for Alice and sends a message to the indicator 23 to displayYellow and the parking device 21 to display a no-parking alert and enterthe “check- in” state with a countdown for a check-in grace period. Theparking indicator 23 starts to flash Yellow and the parking device 21displays, “Reserved parking. Please check in.” Alice swipes her creditcard and the parking device 21 sends the information to the server. Theserver recognizes that the credit card is associated with Alice'sparking space 24 and logs that Alice is parked in her driveway. Theserver sends a message to the parking indicator to display Red (noparking) for other motorists. 3:30 pm Alice finishes unloading her car.She then returns to her car and drives into her garage. The vehiclesensor 22 detects that the parking space 24 is now empty and sends anoccupancy message to the server. The server logs the vacancy and noticesthat the parking space 24 is reserved for Alice overnight. The serverinstructs the parking indicator 23 to continue to display Red and theparking device 21 to continue to show, “No Parking-Reserved” with acountdown until 10 am on Tuesday morning. Friday Alice gets a call fromwork. They are shorthanded and ask whether 10:00 am she can come in.(She took a day off from work on Thursday.) Alice agrees and gets readyfor work. 10:15 am Alice realizes that she can make her parking space 24available today, contrary to her usual pattern. She selects the Web pagethat controls the availability of her curb space. Interacting with acalendar interface, Alice changes her curb space availability to includeavailability starting from at 10:30 am until 5 pm today. 10:20 am Aliceleaves for work. 10:30 am The server notices that Alice's parking space24 is now available to the public and looks up any constraints. Theserver instructs the parking indicator 23 to display Green and theparking device 21 to enter the “available-for-parking” state with thetimer showing availability for four hours (without counting down). Theparking indicator 23 displays Green and the parking device 21 displays,“Available” and sets the display to four hours without counting down.

Space renting therefore opens up otherwise unavailable parking to use bythe general public, subject to constraints set by the owner or custodianof the parking space 24. FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing a routine fora space renting service 200 for use in the parking services 12 ofFIG. 1. Preliminarily, if not already present, the city or municipalityplaces a parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 near the parkingspace 24 at the resident's house. The parking services 12 thenassociates the parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 with acontrolling parking account. The system enables the resident to make thecurb-cut parking space 24 available for renting on some days, andunavailable on other days, depending upon his schedule. On an ongoingbasis, the resident may have some days when he regularly rents theparking space 24 out, such as while away from home or at work. On otherdays, however, like on the weekends, the resident may be at home andneed his own parking space 24 for his own use.

Residents or other individuals who control a rented parking space 24 areprovided a permit by the parking services 12 that allows them to setconstraints on the use of the parking space 24. For example, theresidents could limit and change the hours of availability, prohibit theparking of oversized vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, taxicabs, and thelike, or only allow certain classes of vehicles to park. Other types ofpermit uses and restrictions are possible.

Several processes are undertaken to facilitate space renting. In oneprocess, the resident applies for a parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19, which would need to be installed near the parkingspace 24 that the resident intends to offer for rental. In a secondprocess, the local parking authorities add the parking device 21 orparking services kiosk 19 into the parking services 12. In a thirdprocess, the resident enters parking constraints, which indicate whenthe parking space 24 may be rented. In a fourth process, which occursonce the parking space 24 has been assimilated into the parking services12, drivers can make reservations, check-in, or leave the parking space24. At a high level, the parking services 12 first identify the residentor rights holder (step 201) and determines the identity of the parkingspace 24 being offered for rental (step 202). If the ability of theresident to rent the parking space 24 is valid (step 203), the parkingspace 24 is added to the set of parking spaces available through theparking services server (step 204). The service thus has the public goodof using potential parking spaces 24 more effectively without the needto build more.

Revenues from motorists parking in these spaces could be shared with theresidents or individuals who control the space (step 205). In oneembodiment, the resident receives compensation on a periodic basis. Theamount of compensation can depend upon the amount of revenue actuallycollected for the parking space 24, which can help guard against abusiverental practices, such as where a resident blacks out the most valuedhours in expectation of receiving revenue for a parking space 24 thatactually sees little use, thereby not actually contributing the spacefor public use.

Merchant Parking Services

Service: Validate Parking

The validate parking service enables merchants to validate, that is, payfor parking for their customers, under differing policies of validation.For instance, when cities have a validated parking program, theirparking authorities can vary how parking gets paid. In the simplestcase, parking rates are the same whether they are paid by a driver or bya merchant. As well, integrated approaches can be developed that wouldallow merchants to collectively pool the payment of parking for theircustomers, including where validated parking is provided in conjunctionwith escalating rates, such as described supra with respect to FIG. 8.

The parking services company has an established way to register eachmerchant using a parking payment account, which could be an electronicbanking card, such as a credit card or a debit card, a bank account, anaccount with an acquirer that performs payment processing for commercialvendors, or some other means. The parking authorities sets up anyregulations about other required qualifications for merchant parkingaccounts. The parking services 12 also gives each merchant point-of-saledevices initialized for their parking account when the account is setup. The point-of-sale device could be a mobile device with wirelesscommunication to the parking server. They also get a merchant permitassociated with their parking account. Finally, a merchant couldvalidate customer parking by simply providing a printed token or abarcode, QR code, or other encoded token to the customer, which thecustomer could then respectively feed into or hold in front of a camerabuilt into the nearest parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 totrigger payment of the parking by the merchant.

The validate parking service can be illustrated by a scenario in whichAlice parks on the street and gets her parking validated while shopping.

Time Event Friday 10 am Alice drives to the University Avenue shoppingdistrict in her city. She needs to shop for a few things and eat lunch.Parking space A is not occupied. The parking indicator 23 closest to theparking space 24 displays Green (available) and the parking device 21shows four hours availability. Check-in. Alice pulls into parking spaceA. The vehicle sensor 22 detects her arrival and sends a message to theserver. The server logs the occupancy and checks for any constraints.The server sees that parking is available and sends a message to theindicator 23 to display Yellow and the parking device 21 to display ano-parking alert and enter the “check-in” state with a countdown for acheck-in grace period. The parking indicator 23 starts to flash Yellowand the parking device 21 displays, “Please check in.” Alice swipes hercredit card and the parking device 21 sends the information to theserver. The server checks and authorizes Alice's credit card. The serverdetermines the parking time available and applicable parking rates. Theserver discovers that parking is free for the first hour, $2.00 for thesecond hour, $4.00 for the third hour, and $6.00 for the fourth hour.The server notices that Alice likes to get text message to warn when herparking time is running out. The server also sends the check-ininformation to the parking device 21. The parking device 21 shows theparking rates to Alice. The parking device 21 defaults to one hour offree parking and tells Alice to use the buttons on the user interface torevise her parking time. Alice selects two hours of parking. The parkingdevice 21 sends Bob's parking choices to the server. The serverinstructs the parking indicator 23 to display Green (paid) and theparking device 21 to start the timer to countdown from two hours (timeleft) and enter the “paid-parking” state. The parking indicator 23displays Green (paid) and the parking device 21 starts the timer to showthe amount of time remaining. 10:10 am Discretionary validation. Alicebegins her shopping. She starts by getting a few small items at thecorner drug store, which does not usually validate parking for smallpurchases since most customers finish shopping in only a few minutes.Alice buys her items. 10:15 am Alice then heads to Heidi's Shoes. 11:15am She browses for a while and ends up buying a new pair of shoes usingher credit card. The clerk asks her whether she wants her parkingvalidated. Alice agrees and the clerk slides her credit card through theparking point-of-sale mobile device. The clerk opts to validate Alicefor an hour or up to $2.00. The point-of-sale mobile device sends thisselection to the server. The server recognizes the Heidi's Shoespoint-of-sale mobile device and receives Alice's credit cardinformation. The server looks up Alice's parking space 24 and sees thatshe is parked at parking space A. The server logs the transaction withHeidi's Shoes and sends a message to the point-of-sale mobile deviceconfirming the parking validation. The server also sends a text messageto Alice telling her that she has been validated with $2.00 of parkingfrom Heidi's Shoes and that her parking bill has been adjusted, so thatthe first two hours of parking are free. The Heidi's Shoes clerk seesthe confirmation, tells Alice that her space has been validated, andthanks Alice for her business. 11:30 am Alice does some window shopping.She decides to get an early lunch at University Cafe. She runs into afriend at the cafe and they start lunch. 11:45 am The server noticesthat Alice's car has only 15 minutes left and is now in the expirationalert period. The server sends Alice an alert text message and askswhether she would like to extend her parking. The rate for parking inthe third hour is $4.00 per hour. The server sends a message to theparking indicator 23 to display Yellow and the parking device 21 tocontinue showing the amount of time left on the meter. The parkingindicator 23 displays Yellow and the parking device 21 continues thecountdown to noon. Alice's mobile telephone displays the text messagefrom the server. Alice texts back “30,” meaning she wants to add 30 moreminutes to her parking time. The server receives the message and adds 30minutes to Alice's parking reservation. The server texts back aconfirmation that she is reserved until 12:30 pm and that she will becharged $2.00 for her parking. The server logs the changes. The serversends a message to parking indicator 23 to display Green and the parkingdevice 21 to revise the countdown to 12:30 pm. The parking indicator 23displays Green and the parking device 21 starts the revised countdown.12:10 pm Alice is finishing her lunch. Discretionary validation. Aliceasks the waiter to validate her parking when she pays her bill atUniversity Cafe. However, University Cafe has a policy to only validateparking when asked and that waiters have discretion on the amount of thevalidation according to the size of the purchase. Alice had an $8.00lunch and is a regular customer, so the waiter tells Alice that she cangive her a $1.00 parking validation. Using the point-of-sale mobiledevice, the waiter swipes Alice's credit card and enters a $1.00 parkingcredit. The point-of-sale mobile device sends the information to theserver. The server recognizes the University Cafe point-of-sale mobiledevice and records the $1.00 parking credit. The server sends aconfirmation message to the point-of-sale mobile device and also texts amessage to Alice telling her that she has received a $1.00 parkingcredit from University Cafe. The server logs the transaction and creditsAlice with $1.00 towards her parking. 12:15 pm The server notices thatthe time left for Alice's parking is almost expired and within the alertmessage interval. The server sends a message to display Yellow and theparking device 21 to continue showing the amount of time left on themeter. The server also sends a message to Alice, as before, askingwhether she wants to extend her time. Alice sees and ignores the textmessage. She returns to her car, stows her purchases, and pulls out ofparking space A. The vehicle sensor 22 detects Alice's departure andsends a message to the server. The server acknowledges the message andchecks for any open constraints. The server sees that the parking space24 is available for parking. The server instructs the parking indicator23 to display Green and the parking device 21 to enter the“available-parking” state with a parking timer counting down to fourhours.

One of the service's goals is to make parking transactions easier forboth merchants and their customers by assisting with identifying thecustomer and the parking event. FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing aroutine for a validate parking service 210 for use in the parkingservices 12 of FIG. 1. In the normal case, the customer is assumed tohave parked in a location near the merchant's place of business. Wherethe customer has already checked in to a parking space 24 (step 211), asdescribed supra, the parking services 12 will have already recorded thedetails of the parking event, including when and where the customerparked and the customer's identity. When the customer provides some formof identification to the merchant (step 212), such as a electronicbanking card, driver's license, or receipt provided by the parkingdevice 21 or parking services kiosk 19, the parking services 12 attemptsto locate the parking event (step 213) and, if successfully found,validate the parking (step 214), which generally tenders payment, atleast in part, for the use of the parking space 24. In a streamlinedscenario, validation can take place automatically, such as when thecustomer makes a purchase with an electronic banking card, such as acredit card or a debit card. When the customer provides, for instance, acredit card at the point of sale, the merchant's point-of-sale terminalor similar system automatically checks the customer's identity into theparking services 12, which can then find the relevant parking event.Policies set by the merchant can set whether validation will beautomatic courtesy of the merchant in exchange for the customer'spatronage or discretionary, whether the customer must make a minimumpurchase, whether only shopping visits of a minimum duration qualify,and how much credit is normally allotted for parking, which can possiblybe contingent on the amount of sales to the customer or otherconsiderations. The validation switches parking charges from thecustomer to the merchant (step 215). In addition, the receipt given tothe customer can contain a message thanking the customer for theirbusiness and telling them that their parking has been validated.

If the customer does not have a parking identity, or a temporary touristparking permit, as described infra, the merchant could print avalidation ticket or temporary credit or debit card that the customercould take to a parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 to carryout validation. The driver could also simply provide the uniqueidentifier assigned to a parking device 21 to the merchant duringvalidation.

Service: Parking Coupons

Merchants may want to encourage potential customers to come to theirstore as part of a sale or other promotion event. The parking couponsservice augments validated parking, as described supra, in that parkingspaces 24 can be reserved for use by customers only and parking fees canbe prepaid by a merchant, rather than validated after a customer haspaid and parked. In one embodiment, merchants are provided with aparameterized permit for their parking accounts, which conferscapabilities for making preferred customer reservations. The permitsinclude parameters set by parking authorities that govern how manyparking spaces 24 can be reserved for promotional parking events,merchant-reservable periods of time, parking spaces wheremerchant-controlled parking is allowed, and the cost to reserve thosespaces for promotional use. The parameters can also govern whethermerchants can extend the maximum time for parking in support of apromotional event for their customers. Finally, parameters can be usedfor privacy settings, for instance, governing how much information isshared with merchants when people park using their reserved parkingpromotions.

There are two categories of customer reservations: (1) prepaidcustomer-exclusive reservations, and (2) token/coupon-acceptingpromotions. In prepaid customer-exclusive reservations, the merchantpays for parking spaces 24 ahead of time and pays for the spaces 24,even if nobody parks there during the reservation period. Only themerchant's customers are allowed to park in the reserved parking spaces24 during the reserved time. In the token/coupon-accepting reservations,customers can use tokens, in lieu of parking payment or for payment fora limited time. The merchant is billed only when customers park andparking space usage is non-exclusive in that non-customer members of thepublic are also allowed to park in the reserved parking spaces 24.

The parking coupons service can be illustrated by a scenario in whichmerchants use the parking services 12 to arrange for on-street parkingfor their customers in support of promotions and sales. The scenarioalso considers various edge cases, such as where customers arrive earlyand non-customers attempt to park.

Time Event Feb 1 11:00 am Customer reservations. Alice, the promotionmanager of Belle's in MyCity, plans on holding a “Red White & Blue Sale”over three days in mid-February. As part of the promotion, she wants toattract customers, in part, by offering them free parking as aninducement to come to the sale. Her plan is to offer free reservedparking to a targeted list of preferred customers for a special eveningopening on Monday, February 20, and also to offer free parking tocustomers on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 21 and 22, respectively.Pre-paid exclusive reservations. Alice logs into the Web page formerchant parking services and selects “Merchant Services.” She selectsthe “parking promotion” section and starts with the preferred customerpromotion, selecting the time, 7 pm to 10 pm, on Monday February 20, forthe parking spaces 24 on the city blocks nearest to the Belle's store.The server confirms that 70 of the 100 nearby parking spaces 24 areavailable on Monday evening for parking reservations. Alice reserves 50prepaid parking spaces 24 on the blocks closest to the store for theMonday evening sale. Non-customers are precluded from parking in thesespaces during this period. She uploads a list of email addresses forBelle's preferred customers. The server then lets Alice download a listof QR codes or similar form of digital encodings for each of thecustomers. Token/coupon reservations. For the all-day sales on Tuesdayand Wednesday, February 21 and 22, Alice selects the Web page forbooking token/coupon reservations. Again, she uploads a list of emailaddresses for some of Belle's customers. The server lets Alice downloada list of QR codes or similar form of digital encodings for thespecified customers and also a QR code or similar form of digitalencoding for other unnamed customers to be used for the sale. Feb 1010:00 am Preparing the promotion. As part of the advertising campaign,Alice has an advertising agency develop an advertisement for the specialsale at Belle's. An email advertisement and a printed flier are readiedfor Belle's preferred customers and includes the personalized QR codesor similar form of digital encodings for parking on Monday, February 20.The mail server at Belle's emails the promotional messages to thepreferred customers. A second advertisement is prepared for the generalpublic. A design for coupons is created that includes a QR code orsimilar form of digital encodings for parking during the Tuesday andWednesday of the sale. These advertisements are included in variouslocal newspapers and also emailed to Belle's customers. 11:00 am Bettiegets a promotional email from Belle's, one of her favorite stores. Shesees that the sale includes some of her favorite brands and she marksher calendar. She prints out the coupon with the QR code, which she putsin her purse. Alternatively, Bettie could store the QR codeelectronically using her smart phone. Deidre also gets a promotionalemail. She thinks about having an evening out, where her husband cantake her to dinner and they can get a few things at the sale. Francinealso grabs the coupon for Belle's from the newspaper, a store that shehas not yet visited. Feb 20 2:45 pm Constraining public parking. Theusual maximum parking time on the city blocks near Belle's is fourhours. The server notices that the parking spaces 24 near Belle's arereserved for customer parking. With a 15-minute minimum-interval beforeparking reservations in force, the maximum parking time ahead of thereservations for Belle's is now less than the maximum parking time. Theserver instructs the parking indicators 23 to display Green and theparking devices 21 to display parking timers counting down to 6:45 pm.4:00 pm Dan works in the area and knows that parking is usuallyavailable at night, so he drives in. Dan pulls into parking space A,which is near Belle's, intending to attend his dinner meeting. Thevehicle sensor 22 detects his arrival and sends a message to the server.The server logs the occupancy and checks for any constraints. The serversees that parking is available and sends a message to the indicator 23to display Yellow and the parking device 21 to enter the“limited-check-in” state. The parking indicator 23 starts to flashYellow and the parking device 21 displays, “Please check in.” Dan swipeshis credit card and the parking device 21 sends the information to theserver. The server checks and authorizes Dan's credit card. The servernotices that Belle's reservation starts at 7:00 pm (with a 15-minutegap), which is 2 hours and 45 minutes away. The server sets a one- hourdefault parking time and notices that some parking spaces 24 in the areahave more availability that parking space A. The server assembles thisinformation for the parking device 21, including the option of reservinga parking space 24 with more time available. The parking device 21defaults to one hour of free parking and tells Dan that the maximum timehe can park is 2:45 until 6:45 pm. The parking device 21 also tells Danto use the buttons on the user interface to revise his parking time orpush the “Reserve” button to reserve a nearby parking space 24 with moretime available. He can push “OK” to reserve this parking space 24 until6:45 pm. Dan needs a parking space 24 until 8:00 pm for his dinnermeeting, so availability only until 6:45 pm is insufficient. He pushesthe “Reserve” button, which the parking device 21 sends to the server.The server finds a nearby parking space E with four hours availability.The server looks up the cost of reserving the space and the parkingcosts, then sends a message to the parking device 21 to offer to reserveparking space E. The server also instructs the parking device 21 nearestto parking space A to enter the “make- reservation” state. The parkingdevice 21 tells Dan that parking space E is available and sets a defaultreservation time of four hours, the maximum reservable time. The parkingdevice 21 asks Dan whether he would like to reserve space E. The parkingdevice 21 also tells Dan to use the buttons on the user interface torevise his parking time and push the “Reserve” button to reserve parkingspace E, or press the “Stay” button to return to the previous state. Theparking device 21 also displays the $1.00 cost to reserve parking spaceE and the $1.00 per hour parking cost. Dan selects “Reserve.” Theparking device 21 sends this information to the server, which authorizesthe credit card transaction and logs the reservation. The serverinstructs the parking indicator 23 nearest to parking space E to displayRed and the associated parking device 21 to display no time availableand enter the “waiting-for-reserved-check-in” state. 4:01 pm The servercomposes a message thanking Dan, telling him that his parkingreservation for parking space E is ready, and that he needs to vacateparking space A. The server sends the message to the parking device 21that is nearest to parking space A. Dan vacates parking space A andheads for parking space A. He parks and checks into parking space E, asdescribed supra. The vehicle sensor 22 detects Dan's departure fromparking space A and sends a message to the server. The serveracknowledges the message and sees that parking space A is reserved forBelle's at 7:00 pm. The server sends a message to the indicator 23 todisplay Green and the parking device 21 to enter an “available-parking”state and display a count down to 6:45 pm. 5:45 pm The server noticesthat the reserved parking for Belle's begins in an hour, which is lessthan the “short parking available period.” The server sends messages tothe parking indicators 23 nearest to each of the unoccupied parkingspaces 24 in the area to display Yellow (limited time availability).5:50 pm Early preferred customers. Bob and Deidre drive on to a streetnear Belle's. They are planning an early dinner followed by nighttimeshopping at Belle's. They pull into parking space A. The vehicle sensor22 detects their arrival in parking space A and sends a message to theserver. The server acknowledges the message and, noticing thereservation for Belle's, composes a check-in message about the sale,saying that Belle's has reserved parking space A for customers from 7 pmto 10 pm. The server tells the parking device 21 to enter a“limited-time check-in” mode. The parking indicator 23 displays Yellowand the parking device 21 starts the timer with a countdown for acheck-in grace period. The parking device 21 displays, “Please check in”and a note saying that Belle's has reserved parking for preferredcustomers from 7 pm to 10 pm. Bob swipes his credit card and the parkingdevice 21 sends the information to the server. The server checks andauthorizes Bob's credit card. The server also notices that the creditcard is associated with Bob and Deidre's parking account and thatDeidre's email is on Belle's list of preferred customers for the sale.The server composes a message for the parking device 21 for setting theparking time. By default, Bob must pay for the first hour until 6:50 pm,and then Belle's pays for parking during the sale until 10:00 pm. Theserver allows Bob to adjust the ending time for parking. Bob pushes the“OK” button to accept the charge for the first hour of parking and thefree parking during Belle's sale. The parking device 21 sends theinformation to the server. The server acknowledges the check-in and addsDeidre's parking information to the list for the sale. The server sendsa message to the parking indicator 23 to display Green and the parkingdevice 21 to start the timer counting down to 10:00 pm. 6:45 pm Theserver notices that the time before Belle's sale has now entered theminimum-gap period. The server sends a message to the parking indicators23 and parking devices 21 nearest to the unoccupied parking spaces 24respectively instructing them to display Red and to set the timer to00:00 available parking and turn on the “here-I-am” pattern of flashinglights for reserved parking. The parking indicators 23 display Red nearBelle's and the associated parking devices 21 start theblue-red-yellow-green flashing light pattern for reserved parking andshow 00:00 time available. 6:55 pm Preferred customer arrival. Eager forthe sale, Bettie parks in parking space B. The vehicle sensor 22 detectsher arrival and sends a message to the server. The server notices thatparking space B is reserved for Belle's customers and composes acheck-in message about the sale, saying that Belle's has reservedparking space A for customers from 7 pm to 10 pm. The server tells theparking device 21 to enter a “limited- time check-in” mode. The parkingindicator 23 displays Yellow and the parking device 21 starts the timerwith a countdown for a check-in grace period. The parking device 21displays, “Please check in” and a note saying that Belle's has reservedparking for preferred customers from 7 pm to 10 pm.. Bettie takes hercoupon from her purse, which she proudly holds in front of the camera onthe parking device 21. The parking device 21 registers the QR code,beeps, and sends a message to the server. The server acknowledges themessage and recognizes the personalized QR code for the sale. The servercomposes a message with the information welcoming Bettie, telling herthat the sale runs until 10 pm, and lets her know that her parking ispaid during the sale by Belle's. Bettie eagerly heads off to shop atBelle's. 8:00 pm Bob and Deidre have finished shopping at Belle's andcomplete their purchases. The clerk verifies that they received freeparking and do not need an additional parking validation. 8:15 pm Boband Deidre pull out of their parking space and drive home. The vehiclesensor 22 detects their departure and sends a message to the server. Theserver acknowledges the message and adds the departure information tothe parking record. The server notices that the parking space 24 isstill reserved by Belle's until 10:00 pm. The server sends a message tothe parking indicators 23 and parking devices 21 nearest to theunoccupied parking spaces 24 respectively instructing them to displayRed and to set the timer to 00:00 available parking and turn on the“here-I-am” pattern of flashing lights for reserved parking. (Parkingspace A is now available for other Belle's customers during the sale.)Feb 21, 10:00 am The parking devices 21 and parking indicators 24nearest to the parking spaces 24 near Belle's are on their regularweekly operation and showing four-hour parking availability. 11:00 amFrancine pulls into parking space C near Belle's. The vehicle sensor 22detects her arrival and sends a message to the server. The serveracknowledges the message and notes that the parking device 21 is in a“coupon-accepting” mode for Belle's public sale. The server sends amessage to the indicator 23 to display Yellow and the parking device 21to display a no-parking alert and enter the “check-in” state with acountdown for a check-in grace period. The parking indicator 23 startsto flash Yellow and the parking device 21 displays, “Please check in.”Francine holds her coupon in front of the camera on the parking device21. The parking device 21 registers the QR code, beeps, and sends amessage to the server. The server acknowledges the message andrecognizes the personalized QR code for the sale. The server composes amessage with the information welcoming Francine and telling her that theQR code gives Francine an hour of free parking for Belle's sale. Theparking device 21 defaults to one hour of free parking, courtesy ofBelle's, and tells Francine to use the buttons on the user interface torevise her parking time. Francine wants to shop and also to have lunch.She uses the ‘+’ button to add two more hours to her parking time for anadditional $2.00. She pushes the “OK” button when she is done. Theparking device 21 sends the information to the server. The serveracknowledges additional time purchased and composes a message for theparking device 21 with the information that Francine can use a creditcard to pay balance due. The parking device 21 asks Francine to providea credit card to pay her balance. Francine swipes her credit card. Theparking device 21 sends the credit card information to the server. Theserver authenticates the credit card transaction and logs that Francineused Belle's public promotional QR code. The server instructs theparking indicator 23 to display Green (paid) and the parking device 21to start the timer to countdown from three hours (time left) and enterthe “paid-parking” state. Francine goes shopping at Belle's, likes thestore, and makes some purchases. When she makes her purchases, thecheckout person validates her parking, including crediting Francine foradditional parking time, as described supra with reference to thevalidated parking scenario. Feb 25, 10:00 am Belle's sale is over andAlice is going over the results of the promotion. She logs into theserver and selects the Web page for “Merchant Services.” She selects thetwo parking promotions that she arranged. The server gives her variousanalytics about customer parking, including how many customers used theparking and how long they parked. The information helps Alice tounderstand what parking she paid and how much was used by her customers.According to privacy parameters, the server gives Alice informationabout the preferred customers who came and also about new customers whoused QR codes to come to the store. Alice can correlate this informationwith sales records to see how many people parked and how much they spentat Belle's. The server flags some new customers as candidates forpreferred customer status.

One approach to facilitating merchant promotions is to enable themerchants to issue printed parking coupons, which customers can use atparking devices 21. FIG. 16 is a flow diagram showing a routine for aparking coupons service 220 for use in the parking services 12 ofFIG. 1. These coupons could be given out at the store or included inadvertisements in newspapers or magazines. The coupons could also beencoded as barcodes, QR codes, and the like, which can be printed aspart of an advertisement or downloaded and printed through a Web page orsimilar online medium. The coupons could also be implemented as digitaltickets or permits for use in mobile devices 15, 16, 17.

A customer would thus merely have to first obtain a parking coupon fromthe merchant (step 221), which is then presented at the parking device21 or parking services kiosk 19 (step 222) when they park for free ordiscounted parking. Coupons could be limited to work only on certaindays and times and only in parking spaces 24 in the vicinity of theissuing merchant's store and the parking services 12 would first verifythat the conditions for parking are met (step 223). If the parking ispermissible (step 224), the customer's parking is validated (step 225)and the merchant is assessed their portion of the parking charges (step226). In a further embodiment, if the customer makes a purchase at thestore, the merchant could use the parking coupon at the point-of-sale toupgrade a customer reward or to give the customer an additionaldiscount.

Service: Customer Priority Parking

Merchants may want to provide priority parking for their customers onthe day of a sale or at other times. For example, they may want toencourage customers by providing priority parking for them in front oftheir store. The customer priority parking service enables merchants toallocate these parking spaces for their customers during a specificperiod. FIG. 17 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a customerpriority parking service 230 for use in the parking services 12 ofFIG. 1. Parking is allocated to the merchant by the parking services 12during the specified parking period (step 231). The parking indicators23 proximate to the allotted parking spaces 24 are set to indicate thepriority status of the parking spaces 24 (step 232). For example, theparking spaces 24 could flash green-and-blue indicators, accompanied bya short message displayed on the parking device 21.

When a customer parks in one of the designated parking spaces 24, thecustomer could either request parking validation (step 233) or present aparking coupon (step 234), as both described supra, to have theirparking validated. Other drivers who park in the allotted parking spaces24 during the specified parking period would not be able to getvalidations for parking unless they were also customers and could haveincreased fees charged for using those parking spaces 24 to helpcompensate the merchant's outlay.

In a further embodiment, merchants in a shopping district could jointogether in a promotion to develop district shopping awareness andsubsidize parking during the promotion. The parking services 12 couldgive special discounts or other rewards if the drivers make purchases atmultiple stores involved in the promotion.

Service: Merchant-Guided Policies

Merchants may sometimes find changing parking regulations temporarily tobe helpful to business. For example, an ice cream shop may want toencourage rapid parking turn-over in front of their shop. Amerchant-guided parking service enables merchants purchase changes inregular parking constraints for parking spaces 24 in front of or near totheir businesses. Some limits may apply. This service can be combinedwith customer-priority parking, as described supra, to more effectivelycontrol parking in front of or near a business by raising fees andshortening parking periods for non-customers.

Service: Tourist Privileges

In various locales, business districts are sometimes providedspecifically for catering to the needs of tourists. FIG. 18 is a flowdiagram showing a routine for a tourist privileges service 240 for usein the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. The tourist privileges serviceincludes two separate yet related processes. The first process involvesthe issuing of tourist parking identification cards (step 241) for usein a tourist area of an urban environment. The parking identificationcard may be offered by tourism bureaus, hotels, rental car companies,and the like. For example, a rental car agency may issue these cards tovisitors, who wish to conveniently run their curb-side parking chargesthrough their rental car contract, rather than having to pay cash or usea credit card. Agencies offering tourist benefits could begin to issuethe tourist parking identification cards upon receiving the digitaltickets or permits, which are used to activate the cards. The secondprocess involves using the tourist parking identification cards at checkin (step 242). Essentially, tourists feed or display their touristparking identification cards respectively into a card reader on or infront of a camera in the parking devices 21 and parking services kiosks19. The server authenticates each card by checking code on the card andthe digital ticket or permit of the agency that issued the card.Additionally, the displays on the parking devices 21 and parkingservices kiosks 19 and their associated parking indicators 23 can be setto identify the parking spaces 24 in the tourist area.

The ability to issue tourist parking identification cards could begoverned by digital tickets or permit, as described supra. An agencywould need to pair-up the parking authorizations provided by theirdigital ticket or permit to each tourist parking identification cardissued. Only those tourist parking identification card that have beenauthorized by an agency authorized to provide parking privileges totourists will be recognized by the parking services 12. This step guardsagainst improper use of the tourist parking identification cards by justanyone, such as local citizens who wish to avoid paying for city parkingby masquerading (for purposes of parking) as “tourists.” These agencieswould receive a stack of blank tourist parking identification cards.Using their digital tickets or permits, they would activate these cards.For tracking purposes, the agencies may be required to fill ininformation about the tourist, sales discounts, and so forth.

Merchants in business districts and tourism bureaus can also promotebusiness and tourism by providing special parking help and privileges totourists. In effect, a tourist with a parking identification card has a“special permit” that triggers various offers when checking into aparking space 24. Tourist privileges collectively combine services usedby the merchants with services used by tourists and business travelers.Tourists can access privileges using a tourist-enabled parkingidentification card. Tourist privileges can be keyed to specific parkingspaces 24 or throughout a tourism business district. Specific privilegesfor tourists include, for instance, the following benefits:

Extended Parking Limits. Parking limits may be extended for tourists togive them more time to shop and find their way around.

Reserved Tourist Spaces. Some parking spaces 24 in a region could bereserved for the exclusive use of tourists. In one embodiment, theseparking spaces 24 would be assigned by parking authorities and, in theirnormal operation, the nearest parking indicators 23 would display acolor, such as blue, indicating that a permit is required. Additionally,flashing lights on the nearest parking device 21, such as blue andgreen, could be used to signal the type of permit required and wouldvisually distinguish tourist permit parking spaces 24 from loadingzones, taxi zones, handicap zones, and so on. When a driver parks in oneof these tourist permit parking spaces 24, they would need to use atourist permit to complete a valid check-in.

Reduced Parking Rates. Tourists may be offered reduced parking rates,subsidized by tourism bureaus, hotels, rental car companies, and thelike.

Day Passes or All-Day Rates for Parking. Tourists could also be offeredto day passes for free parking or all-day parking rates, along withtransportation cards that could connect with other transportationservices or be used with merchants for tourist discounts.

Other Discounts. Tourist parking identification cards could be presentedto merchants to qualify for discounts in purchasing goods and services.

Additionally, when a vehicle driven by a tourist leaves a parking space24, the parking services 12 could send the driver a courtesy notice thatthanks him for using the parking service and provide a receipt.Additionally, the parking services 12 could send a notice that their carhas left the parking space 24, which, for a tourist, may be an earlynotice that their car has been stolen or towed. The notice could also beprovided as a service to all motorists and not just tourists.

Service: Advertising

In one embodiment, the parking devices 21 and parking services kiosks 19include a display 26 (shown in FIG. 2) for presenting additionalinformation. In a shopping district, for instance, these displays 26could be used for advertising to promote local businesses. For example,during a sale, a display 26 could run an advertisement for the goodsbeing offered on sale. The advertisements can include color and soundfeatures, as well as directions for reaching the store from the parkingdevice 21. In another example, near mealtime, a display 26 could featurean advertisement for food or drinks available at a nearby restaurant. Aninteractive advertisement, transacted through a combination of thedisplay 26 and the user interface of the parking device 21, could enablea user to reserve a table at the restaurant.

Commercial Parking Services

Service: Scheduled Deliveries (Flexible Loading Zones)

Loading zones are often problematic in business districts. Localgovernments often resist allocating loading zones to preserve publicparking, particularly as loading zones can tend to remain vacant duringmost of the day. Conversely, a scarcity of loading zones often seems tooccur whenever several delivery vehicles arrive at the same time.Further, those same delivery vehicles often double park, causingcongestion and other traffic problems.

The parking services 12 can facilitate a more flexible way to arrangeparking for scheduled deliveries. FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing aroutine for a scheduled deliveries service 250 for use in the parkingservices 12 of FIG. 1. The scheduled deliveries service enablesmerchants and delivery organizations to dynamically reserve parking fordeliveries ahead of time. This approach allows the number of loadingzones to flexibly grow and shrink according to need, thereby enablingsmoother deliveries and providing more parking spaces 24 when deliveriesare not scheduled.

The scheduled deliveries service includes two separate yet relatedprocesses. The first process involves allocating parking spaces 24 fordelivery or loading zones. There are different ways to allocate parkingspaces 24. For example, a loading zone can be set up through areservation for a particular driver or can be reserved for anyone with aloading zone permit. A list of valid loading zone permit holders can bemaintained by the server for use in verifying whether a driver or abusiness entity is eligible to park in a reserved loading zone.Additionally, the parking spaces 24 eligible for reservation as loadingzones could be limited to oversized parking spaces 24 to accommodate thegenerally larger sizes of commercial vehicles.

The second process involves check-in, where a driver checks in to adelivery or loading zone. Parking indicators 23 are set to signal theuse of parking spaces 24 for deliveries (step 251). One approach is tosimply use a red indicator for reserved parking spaces 24. Anotherapproach is to use a combination of color indicators and signals toclearly mark a loading zone. For example, a parking indicator 23 couldshow a blue indicator, signaling that a permit is required, and alsoflash a yellow indicator, indicating that the space is available foronly a short while.

Different arrangements for reserving parking spaces 24 for scheduleddelivery can be provided. For example, flexible loading zones include:

Specific Delivery (step 252). A specific parking space 24 is reservedfor a particular delivery, after which the loading zone parkingreservation is automatically terminated. The parking identity of thedriver of the delivery vehicle is verified at check in (step 256). Onlyauthorized parking identities (step 257) enable permissible parking inthe loading zone (step 258). Unauthorized use of the loading zoneparking space 24 can trigger guided enforcement, as further describedinfra, and could include automatic reporting of parking violations (step259).

Open Delivery (step 253). One or more parking spaces 24 are allocatedfor delivery during a set period (step 254). The parking spaces 24 areavailable for open use by any authorized delivery during the period. Thenumber of parking spaces allocated can be decreased (step 255) asdeliveries are completed.

Service: Valet Parking

Some merchants wish to develop a high sense of parking service for theircustomers. For example, they may wish to have access to substantialparking at a fixed distance from their establishment. The valet parkingservice enables these merchants to use public parking spaces 24 tosupport a valet parking service for their customers. FIG. 20 is a flowdiagram showing a routine for a valet parking service 260 for use in theparking services 12 of FIG. 1. In this service, the merchant arranges toallocate several parking spaces 24 adjacent to their establishment forvalet parking (step 261). The merchant, who could be representing arestaurant, hotel, special event, and so on, registers one or moreparking spaces 24 with the parking services 24 to be used for valetparking. The merchant provides the valets with the locations of theseparking spaces 24. The parking services 12 does not know where thevalets are parking particular cars and disregards comings and goings ofvehicles in the parking spaces 24 during the time period reserved forvalet parking. The valet parking reservation runs out when time expires.Typically, valet employees greet customers as they arrive to parkcustomer's vehicles for them (step 262). The valet returns the car tothe customer upon completion of their business. The valet parkingservice uses the parking services 12 to simply enable the merchant touse the parking spaces 24 for a valet purpose.

In a further embodiment, the parking services 12 further support thevalet service by keeping track of where each car is located (step 263).For example, the valet parkers could have a number of parkingidentification cards available and could use a variation of the “Find Mycar” service, as described supra, to locate customer cars. The parkingservices 12 keeps track of where the valets are parking the customer'scars. Presumably, the valets use on-street parking. As well, differentlevels of service can be provided along the theme of “how does the valetindicate which car is parked where?” By way of example, the valetparking service levels include:

“Find My Car.” Valets keep a stack of parking identity cards withcustomer car keys. A valet parks a customer's car and swipes the parkingidentity card on the nearest parking device 21 or parking services kiosk19. Later, upon customer request, the valet uses the “Find My Car”service, as described supra, to locate that customer's car.

Paper Tickets. A paper ticket with a printed parking identification isassigned to each set of keys. When the valet parks a customer's car, thevalet swipes the paper ticket through a card reader or other inputdevice integrated into the user interface of the nearest parking device21 or parking services kiosk 19 and requests a valet event number. Thevalet event number is presented on the display 25 and is written on thepaper ticket. Later, the valet enters the event number into the parkingservices 12 and asks for the location of the car.

Vehicle-Centric Identification. The parking system uses anidentification associated with the vehicle, such as an RFID tag, aplacard, or the vehicle license plate number. Later the valet uses theowner's ID or a recorded number to locate the car.

Valet Identification. When a valet parks a customer's car, the valetuses his own parking identity card. A record of where the car is parkedis associated with the time of parking and the valet's parking identity.This information is either printed out or transmitted into a handhelddevice that the valet carries, such as a mobile device 15, 16, 17, forlater print out. The valet attaches the printed information to thecustomer's car keys.

Service: Special Use Reservations

Parking spaces 24 are sometimes used by communities for purposes otherthan parking. For example, parking spaces 24 may be used temporarily asa staging area in a construction zone. Similarly, restaurants may findmoving tables or other outside activities into the street to bebeneficial, such as during late summertime evenings. As well, businessdistricts may want to reserve a block of parking spaces 24 for a specialevent that flows into the street. The parking services 12 include aspecial use reservations service to enable communities, merchants, andothers to reserve parking spaces for special use purposes.

Parking Authority Parking Services

Service: Guided Enforcement

The parking services 12 maintain the locations of each vehicle parked ina parking space 24 under its control and is able to determine compliancewith applicable parking regulations and time constraints, both facets ofwhich can be helpful to parking enforcement officials. FIG. 21 is a flowdiagram showing a routine for a guided enforcement service 270 for usein the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. Guided enforcement deals with manysituations. For instance, a motorist may be parked in a parking space24, but has not paid enough to cover his parking fees. At the beginningof a parking period, motorists are expected to check in during thecheck-in grace period and the system could direct parking enforcementofficials to a parking space 24 at which the motorist failed to timelycheck in. In another situation, a motorist could overstay his paidparking time. If he paid by credit card or other form of electronicbanking, or the parking services 12 otherwise knows his identity, thesystem could issue a parking ticket or fine automatically withoutsending a parking enforcement official.

Upon a failure to check in, the expiry of a parking period, which couldbe delayed until any applicable grace period has run out, or other suchcause, parking violations can automatically be determined (step 271) anddocumented (step 272) by the parking services 12 through examination ofthe sensor data 40 and device data 41 continually provided respectivelythrough the sensors 22 and parking devices 21. Parking authorities canbe alerted as the parking violations (step 273) and provided locationsof expired parking, as well as collecting photographs and other parkingviolation indicia. Where permitted, the parking services 12 could evenundertake enforcement action (step 274), such as issuing parkingviolation citations, summoning a tow truck, or take other action. Forinstance, in lieu of towing a car, a vehicle immobilizer or parking“boot” could be placed on the offending vehicle by parking authoritiesto render the vehicle undriveable. The parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19 can display instructions to the driver, who can callin or go online to pay a parking fine. He will then receive a securitycode that allows him to remove the boot for later drop off at acollection point. Whether to immobilize or tow depends on the scarcityof parking spaces and other factors.

Service: Schedule Street Event

Similar to special uses undertaken by businesses, as described supra,communities sometime schedule events that require street closure. FIG.22 is a flow diagram showing a routine for a schedule street eventservice 280 for use in the parking services 12 of FIG. 1. Street eventparking can be arranged ahead of time. Parking authorities can enter thedates and times for these events into the parking services 12 (step281). The parking services 12 log the time and identifies the parkingdevices 21 and parking services kiosks 19 affected. When time for thestreet event arrives, the parking indicators 23 are set to restrictparking on the street (step 282), rather than having to have parkingcontrol officers place signs or cover parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19 s manually.

During the duration of the street event, the parking services 12 handlesituations where a vehicle attempts to parks in a reserved parking space24. If free parking is provided to motorist as part of the street event,parking services 12 ignores the parking space 24. As well, the sensors22 may also detect other non-parking activities, such as activations dueto vending carts, foot traffic, and the like. These non-parkingactivities can also be ignored. The time period during which the parkingservices 12 ignore such parking events can be set at the time that thestreet event is scheduled, or at any time later by the parking account37 a-c for the event. Additionally, the parking services 12 allowauthorized individuals, such as event organizers, to access a parkingdevice 21 or parking services kiosk 19, use an authorized street eventparking identification card, and report a parking violation if they wanta vehicle removed from one of their street event parking spaces 24.

The parking services 12 automatically reset the parking indicators 23after the street event is over. Additionally, the parking services 12can undertake guided enforcement (step 288), as described supra, toensure the event commencement.

Service: Manage Street Sweeping

Street sweeping services and related cleaning and maintenance activitiesare provided by municipalities in many urban settings. Typically, thehours of street sweeping are posted and vehicles can be fined or eventowed if they are parked on a street during the posted period, althoughsome municipalities issue sweeper parking permits that enable people tostay parked at those times, such as handicapped people or people who areleaving on vacation and plan to park in front of their house for a fewdays. The manage street sweeping service tracks the location andprogress of street sweepers to return parking spaces 24 back to publicparking quickly once the street sweeper has gone by. In one embodiment,the parking services 12 can send text, email, or voice mail messages toresidents and other motorists who are parked in a scheduled streetsweeping zone to warn them about pending street sweepers. Theseindividuals can specify how far ahead of time they need to be remindedto move their cars.

The manage street sweeping service can be illustrated by a scenario.

Time Event Friday Scheduling street sweeping. Officer Lewis isresponsible for making street sweeper schedules for MyCity. One of thestreet sweeper vehicles has been returned to duty. He wants to revisethe street sweeping schedule to include some new city blocks. OfficerLewis logs into the server using his parking authority credentials. Henavigates to the Web page for setting the street sweeper schedules.Using a map, he picks a city block or region. He brings up a calendarinterface. Starting next Monday, he schedules weekly street sweeping forWednesday from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on the city block where Bob lives,including parking spaces A and B. He schedules a street sweeper for 2:30pm-3:30 pm, including parking space C on a different block. The servernotices that Bob has overnight parking reservations for parking space Afrom 6:00 pm to 9:00 am. Bob also has a parking device 21 in front ofhis driveway, which is parking space B, and that Bob makes parking spaceB available for public parking from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays. Therevised street sweeping times cut into both Bob's overnight parkingreservation and the public parking time. The server sends Bob an emailand text message warning him that he will have to move his car before8:30 am on Wednesday for street sweeping. Tuesday 5:45 pm Near the endof the work day, the server notices that the minimal interval forparking space A in front of Bob's apartment is ending. Parking space Awill become available again Wednesday morning after the street sweeperinterval. The server sends a message to the parking indicator 23 nearestto parking space A to display Red and the corresponding parking device21 to display the message, “No Parking--Reserved” with a countdown to9:30 am. Tuesday 5:50 pm Timely reminder at check-in. Bob arrives homefrom work. He pulls into parking space A in front of his home. Thevehicle sensor 22 detects Bob's vehicle and sends a message to theserver. The server logs the occupancy and notices that the parking space24 is reserved for Bob. The server instructs the parking indicator 23 todisplay Yellow and the parking device 21 to enter the “check- inreserved” state with a countdown for the check-in grace period. Theparking indicator 23 displays Yellow and the parking device displays,“Please check in.” The countdown timer begins. Bob approaches theparking device 21 and slides his credit card. The parking device 21sends his credit card information to the server. The server recognizesthat the credit card is associated with Bob's parking reservation andrecognizes that Bob's arrival time is within the pre-reservation earlyarrival grace period. The server instructs the parking indicator 23 todisplay Green (paid) and the parking device 21 to display “ReservedParking” with a timer displaying the time available until 9:30 amWednesday morning. The server also tells the parking device 21 to remindBob about the street sweeper. The parking indicator 23 displays Greenand the parking device 21 displays, “Reserved parking” with the timebefore the meter becomes available after street sweeping. The parkingdevice 21 also provides a message to Bob reminding him to move his carbefore 8:30 am to accommodate the street sweeper. Wednesday 8:00 amTimely text alerts. Bob is busy around the house with kids andbreakfast. 8:00 am The server notices that Bob's parking space 24 isstill occupied. 8:15 am The server notices that Bob's parking space iswithin the reminder interval and that Bob wants a text reminder. Theserver sends him a text message telling him to move his car and wherethe car is parked. 8:23 am Bob grabs his lunch and winds up things athome. He hops in his car, pulls out from the curb, and heads to work.The vehicle sensor 22 detects his departure and sends a message to theserver. The server acknowledges the message and logs that parking spaceA is vacant. The server finds constraints on the parking space 24 as notbecoming available for parking until 9:30 am. The server instructs theparking indicator 23 to display Red and the parking device 21 to displaya message “No Parking--Street Sweeping” with a countdown to 9:30 am. Theserver instructs the parking device 21 to enter the “no-parking” state.The parking indicator 23 displays Red and the parking device 21displays, “No Parking--Street Sweeping” with a countdown to 9:30 am.9:00 am Contextual warning to parkers. Charlie drives by, ignores thecolor displayed by the parking indicator 23, and parks in parking spaceA. The vehicle sensor 22 detects his arrival and sends a message to theserver. The server notices that the parking space 24 does not allowparking because the street sweeper is on its way. The server sends amessage to the indicator 23 to display Yellow and the parking device 21to display a no-parking alert and enter the “check-in” state with acountdown for a check-in grace period. The server also instructs theparking device 21 to display, “No Parking--Street Sweeping (Check-in foran exemption).” The parking device 21 displays, “No Parking--StreetSweeping (Check-in for an exemption).” 9:01 am Charlie reads themessage. He knows that he can buy an exemption, but decides to re-parkelsewhere. He gets back in his car and drives to a different parkingspace. The vehicle sensor 22 detects his departure and sends a messageto the server. The server acknowledges the message and logs that parkingspace A is vacant. The server finds constraints on the parking space 24as not becoming available for parking until 9:30 am. The serverinstructs the parking indicator 23 to display Red and the parking device21 to display a message “No Parking--Street Sweeping” with a countdownto 9:30 am. The server instructs the parking device 21 to enter the“no-parking” state. The parking indicator 23 displays Red and theparking device 21 displays, “No Parking--Street Sweeping” with acountdown to 9:30 am. 9:30 am The server notices that the street sweeperperiod is over for parking space A. The server sees that parking isreserved at 6:00 pm for Bob (with a 15-minute blackout period) and thatthere is a maximum of four-hour parking, except for neighborhoodresidents. The server sends a message to the parking device 21 orparking services kiosk 19 display Green and the parking device 21 todisplay a four-hour parking limit, omit a countdown, and to display theappropriate messages and counters. The parking indicator 23 displaysGreen and the parking device 21 changes the counter to show four hours.Wednesday 12:00 pm Parking space C is not occupied. The parkingindicator 23 displays Green and the parking device 21 shows the timecounting down to the 2:30 pm street sweeping time. Check-in. Doris pullsinto parking space C to get some lunch and do some shopping on a nearbycommercial street. The vehicle sensor 22 detects her arrival and sends amessage to the server. The server sends a message to the indicator 23 todisplay Yellow and the parking device 21 to display a no-parking alertand enter the “check-in” state with a countdown for a check-in graceperiod. The server also instructs the parking device 21 to display, “NoParking--Street Sweeping (Check-in for an exemption).” 12:00 pm Theparking indicator 23 displays Yellow and the parking device 21 displays,“No Parking--Street Sweeping (Check-in for an exemption).” The parkingindicator 23 also displays a warning that the street sweeper comes at2:30 pm. Doris swipes her credit card and the parking device 21 sendsthe information to the server. The server authenticates the credit cardand looks up the constraints on parking space C. The server notices thatthe parking space 24 must be vacated for street sweeping at 2:30 pm andcomputes three possible reservations for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90minutes. The server sends a message to the parking indicator 23 todisplay Green and the parking device 21 to offer the three parking timeoptions with their prices, including asking her to select a desiredamount of time. The parking device 21 offers the default parking timeperiod and prices for the three parking time options to Doris. The userinterface on the parking device 21 lets Doris increase the amount oftime up to 90 minutes or decrease the amount of time down to a minimum,for instance 15 minutes. The parking device 21 gives Doris the price foreach option. Doris selects the maximum time of 90 minutes for $1.50. Theparking device 21 sends Doris' selection to the server. The serverauthorizes Doris' reservation and instructs the parking device 21 toconfirm to Doris that she is paid through 2:30 pm and that $1.50 hasbeen charged to her credit card. 12:03 pm Doris goes to lunch and startsshopping. She runs into friends and loses track of time. 2:15 pm Theserver notices that parking space C is still occupied and that thestreet sweeper period is less than an alert interval away. The serversends a message to Doris telling her that her car needs to be moved. Theserver also sends a message to the parking indicator 23 to displayYellow and the parking device 21 to keep the timer countdown running to2:30 pm. The parking indicator 23 displays Yellow and the parking device21 continues the countdown. Doris gets the message about moving her car.She wants to stay longer and hurries back to her car. 2:20 pm Offeringcustomer-friendly alternatives. Doris arrives at her car. She slides hercredit card in the parking device 21, which sends the credit cardinformation to the server. The server notices that the street sweeperarrives in ten minutes, yet locates some nearby parking spaces 24 thatare not occupied. The server instructs the parking indicator 23 tocontinue displaying Yellow and the parking device 21 to display amessage telling Doris about the street sweeper constraint. The serveralso instructs the parking device 21 to ask her whether she wants to buya street sweeper exemption for $35.00, or whether she wants to reserve anearby parking space 24. The parking device 21 displays the message toDoris. She decides that the fee for a street sweep exemption is too highand decides to move her car. She can see some available parking spaces24 from where she is standing. She gets in her car and pulls out ofparking space C. 2:22 pm The vehicle sensor 22 detects her departure andsends a message to the server. The server notices that Doris has leftand that the street sweeper period is closer than the minimum parkinginterval. The server checks for any other constraints and determinesthat parking is available at 3:30. The server instructs the parkingindicator to display Red and the parking device 21 displays, “NoParking-- Street Sweeping” with a countdown to 3:30 pm. The parkingindicator 23 displays Red and the parking device 21 displays, “NoParking--Street Sweeping” with a countdown to 3:30 pm.

Several useful variations on managing street sweeping of benefit to boththe municipality undertaking street sweeping and motorists who live onstreets subject to sweeping can be provided by the aforementioned suiteof parking services. For instance, parking spaces could be morecompletely utilized if the parking system kept track of when streetsweeping is finished for individual city blocks. Conventionally, novehicles can be parked in parking spaces on streets subject to sweepingduring the entire period when street sweeping is scheduled, even ifsweeping has been completed on a particular street before the expiry ofthe period. Using the networked parking services, the parking spacescould be made available for parking sooner once the sweeping of a cityblock is complete. The notification of sweeping completion could be madeby a street sweeping vehicle equipped with, for instance, a GPSlocational device and communications equipment capable of remotelyinterfacing the vehicle to the parking services servers 12 or othergateway into the parking services network.

Residents could also be allowed to remain parked through astreet-sweeping cycle. For instance, an urban resident may need to parkon the street while away on vacation, even during those times whenstreet sweeping is ordinarily scheduled. In this situation, the residentwould pay a penalty for parking during the sweeping period ahead oftime, essentially reserving the parking space, albeit at a higher rate,or by using special permit obtained in advance of the needed timeperiod. The municipality would collect the fee from the resident withoutlogging a parking violation, thereby helping offset higher-cost manualstreet cleaning around the resident's parked vehicle as needed.

Finally, motorists could be provided an alert service if their cars areparked at the wrong time in a street sweeping zone. These motoristscould be alerted by automated text message, telephone call, or othermeans in time for them to move their vehicles and allow street sweepingto proceed as scheduled.

Examples of the Parking Services Server in Action

Friendly On-street Parking Services for Shoppers and Merchants

When convenient parking for a store or shopping district is unavailableor unpredictable, shoppers are discouraged from going out. Furthermore,merchants have no direct way to encourage people to drive to theirstores, such as by easily validating on-street parking. As well, tourismbureaus have no way to promote access for visitors by simplifyingon-street parking or by giving visitors preferential treatment inparking or violation handling.

The time needed to complete everyday errands is often variable and thetime required to find parking in a business district depends upontraffic and the level of parking occupancy. After parking, people maybrowse, shop, run errands, or dine, all of which require a variableamount of time. With fixed time periods for parking, these people needto return to parking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 s to pay foradditional parking time before the meter expires, or they must movetheir cars when the time limit for parking in one particular parkingspace has been reached.

These parking situations are bad for business. When shoppers need toreturn to their cars, they may decide to simply leave and skip furtherretail purchases. People who value their time have no way to translatetheir needs and level of urgency into increased on-street parkingavailability or predictability. Merchants also lack the means toincentivize people to come to their district, or to modify parkingpolicies in ways that promote business for themselves or their businessdistrict.

The real-time and account-based parking services provided through theparking services 12 and a network of smart parking devices 21 addressthe needs of these individuals. In a typical scenario, a driver cancheck that a parking space 24 is available and can then simply park hisvehicle. A sensor 22 detects that the parking space 24 is now occupiedand prompts the driver to check in and provide a parking identity forthe parking event. The driver may swipe a parking identification card,credit card, debit card, or other form of identification at the parkingdevice 21, thereby enabling the parking services 12 to determine thedriver's identity, validate any required parking privileges, and log theparking event. Later, the driver might make purchases at a local store.By using the customer's parking identity, the parking services 12 canidentify the current parking event, log a parking validation for thecustomer, and cover the customer's parking charges for a period.

Additionally, merchants, civic groups, and other similar interests couldobtain special permits or specialized accounts for interacting with theparking services 12. In addition to providing validation of customerparking, merchants can reserve also parking spaces 24 in front of theirstores for scheduled deliveries, thus reducing the congestion-inducingpractice of double-parking to unload goods.

Residential Parking Services

In urban neighborhoods, residents sometimes lack garages and have topark on the street at night. They also sometimes have parking needsduring the day, which could be better served by parking with in-and-outprivileges, that is, the ability to leave and return to the same parkingspace throughout the time covered by a single parking reservation.Moreover, in neighborhoods with conventional coin-fed parking device 21or parking services kiosk 19 s, residents spending the day at home areforced to continually feed coins to the parking device 21 or parkingservices kiosk 19 or move their car, which can be inconvenient andfrustrating.

The parking services provided through the parking services 12 and anetwork of smart parking devices 21 also address the needs of thoseindividuals living in a residential area, particularly with limitedon-street parking that is otherwise available to residents andnon-residents alike. Urban residents can reserve on-street parkingspaces 24 near their home for overnight or daytime parking. The policiesenforced for signing up for parking services may give preferredtreatment according to various criteria, such as residential address,level of parking utilization on the street, and according to any permitspossessed by the resident, such as for handicapped, elderly, orprivileged parking.

The parking indicators 23 tell drivers when a parking space 24 isavailable. When someone pulls into a reserved parking space 24, a nearbyparking device 21 provides a visual or audio reminder to check in. Thedriver provides his parking identity by swiping a parking identificationcard or other identifying data. In a further embodiment, a transponderor similar device can automatically retrieve an RFID tag or otherwireless identifier from the vehicle, or a camera integrated into theparking device 21 could read the vehicle's license plate. When a vehicleparks in a reserved parking space, the parking device 21 can issue awarning that the parking space 24 is reserved. If an unauthorized drivertries to check in for parking in a parking space 24 reserved for someoneelse, the parking services 12 can refuse payment and deny parking.

Additionally, the parking services 12 can alert parking enforcementresources about parking violations, thereby taking the urban residentout of the loop of satisfying his parking reservation. If theunauthorized driver does not remove his vehicle within a state time, theparking services 12 could, for instance, summon a parking enforcementofficer to issue a ticket and a tow truck to remove the offendingvehicle. The parking device 21, as well as surrounding parking devices21, could also take pictures to document the parking violation. Wherethe parking services 12 know the identification of the driver,photographic evidence generated through the parking device 21 couldsupport issuance of a traffic citation.

In addition, the parking services 12 can alert drivers if they are atrisk of a parking violation. For example, drivers could receive timelyalerts if a street cleaning time is approaching and they have left theircar in an affected parking space 24 under control of the parkingservices 12. In another example, drivers could be alerted if theirparking time is almost expired where a time limit applies or whenanother driver has previously reserved the parking space 24. Likewise,drivers occasionally forget where they parked. Since the parkingservices 12 has global knowledge of all cars parked in controlledparking spaces 24, drivers could use the “Find My Car” service at anyparking device 21 or parking services kiosk 19 to locate their car.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described asreferenced to the embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art willunderstand that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail maybe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for offering merchant andshopper-friendly parking reservations through tourist privileges withthe aid of a digital computer, comprising: managing a multiplicity ofmotor vehicle parking spaces located in a tourist area of an urbanenvironment through a server, comprising: remotely interfacing aplurality of smart parking devices with the server that are eachphysically proximate to least one of the parking spaces; and remotelyinterfacing a plurality of vehicle occupancy sensors with the serverthat are also each physically proximate to least one of the parkingspaces; remotely interfacing with the server parking indicators, eachassociated with one of the parking spaces and comprising color-codedindicators, wherein each color-coded indicator is associated with astatus of one such parking space; and authorizing with the server use ofthe parking spaces by visitors to the tourist area of the urbanenvironment, comprising: registering a multiplicity of tourist parkingidentification cards in a parking account stored on the server for anagency authorized to provide tourist parking privileges for amultiplicity of tourist parking spaces located in a tourist area of anurban environment, wherein the tourist parking identification cards areissued to one or more of visitors to the tourist area; and pairing eachtourist parking identification card with a digital ticket comprisingparking authorization in the tourist parking spaces that iselectronically issued by the server to the agency; activating thetourist parking identification cards upon receipt of the digital ticket;and managing the use of the parking spaces, comprising: remotely sensingoccupancy of one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle through thenearest vehicle occupancy sensor and providing the occupancy to theserver; receiving from a driver associated with the motor vehicle one ofthe tourist parking identification cards issued to one of the visitorsvia one of the smart parking devices; authenticating the receivedtourist parking identification card and the digital ticket associatedwith the tourist parking identification card; directing fees for theoccupied parking space to the agency; and displaying one of the colorindicators associated with an unavailable status via the parkingindicator for the occupied parking space.
 2. A method according to claim1, further comprising: providing payment for at least part of the use ofthe tourist parking space from the parking account stored on the serverfor the agency through the server conditioned upon an identity of thedriver being provided through the activated tourist parkingidentification card.
 3. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: linking with the server the tourist parking identificationcard through the parking account stored on the server for the agency toan electronic banking card, comprising at least one of a credit card anda debit card, for at least one of the visitors; matching with the serveran identity of the driver to the at least one visitor; and providingtourist parking space payment with the server through the electronicbanking card.
 4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:including tourist privileges with the server with one or more of thetourist parking spaces, comprising at least one of: extending timelimits through the server on parking in the tourist parking spaces;reserving through the server a plurality of the tourist parking spacesfor exclusive use by holders of the tourist privileges; offering throughthe server reduced parking rates on parking in the tourist parkingspaces; offering through the server a day pass for free parking onparking in the tourist parking spaces; offering through the server anall-day rate on parking in the tourist parking spaces; and extendingthrough the server discounts with merchants located in the tourist area.5. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: based oninstructions received from the server, remotely triggering at least aportion of the tourist privileges when the driver checks-in to thenearest smart parking device.
 6. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: based on instructions received from the server, remotelyactivating the parking availability indicator and other parkingavailability indicators associated with the tourist parking spaces; andremotely providing a visual indication through the smart parking devicesnearest to the tourist parking spaces.
 7. A method according to claim 1,further comprising: remotely reading the tourist parking identificationcard via at least one of a card reader and a camera comprised in one ofthe smart parking devices.
 8. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising: remotely authenticating the tourist parking identificationcard through the smart parking device nearest to the occupied touristparking space, comprising at least one of: verifying through the smartparking device a code located on the tourist parking identificationcard; and verifying through the smart parking device the digital ticketassociated with the agency that issued the tourist parkingidentification card; and based on instructions received from the server,remotely providing through the smart parking device the tourist parkingprivileges when the tourist parking identification card is authenticatedthrough the smart parking device.
 9. A method according to claim 1,further comprising: based on instructions received from the server,remotely displaying through the smart parking device nearest to theoccupied tourist parking space on one or more of the smart parkingdevices those tourist parking spaces located within the tourist area.10. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: based oninstructions received from the server, remotely providing through thesmart parking device nearest to the occupied tourist parking space tothe driver at least one of a notice and a receipt after the driverleaves the occupied tourist parking space.
 11. A system for offeringmerchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations through touristprivileges with the aid of a digital computer, comprising: anon-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising program code;and a computer processor and memory on a server with the computerprocessor coupled to the storage medium, wherein the computer processoris configured to execute the program code to perform steps to: registera multiplicity of tourist parking identification cards in a parkingaccount stored on the server for an agency authorized to provide touristparking privileges for a multiplicity of tourist parking spaces locatedin a tourist area of an urban environment, wherein the tourist parkingidentification cards are issued to one or more of visitors to thetourist area; pair each tourist parking identification card with adigital ticket comprising parking authorization in the tourist parkingspaces that is electronically issued by the server to the agency;activate with the server the tourist parking identification cards; aplurality of vehicle occupancy sensors configured to remotely interfacewith the server and that are each physically proximate to least one ofthe tourist parking spaces, at least one of the vehicle occupancysensors remotely sensing occupancy of one of the tourist parking spacesby a motor vehicle and providing the occupancy to the server; and aplurality of smart parking devices configured to remotely interface withthe server and that are each physically proximate to least one of thetourist parking spaces, one of the smart parking devices nearest to theoccupied tourist parking space receiving from a driver associated withthe motor vehicle one of the tourist parking identification cards issuedto one of the visitors, authenticating the received tourist parkingidentification card and the digital ticket associated with the touristparking identification card, and directing fees for the tourist parkingspace to the agency; and parking indicators, each associated with one ofthe tourist parking spaces and comprising color-coded indicators,wherein each color-coded indicator is associated with a status of onesuch tourist parking space and one of the color indicators for thetourist parking space is displayed to provide an unavailable status forthe tourist parking space.
 12. A system according to claim 11, whereinthe computer processor is further configured to execute the program codeto perform steps to: provide payment for at least part of the use of thetourist parking space from the parking account stored on the server forthe agency conditioned upon an identity of the driver being providedthrough the activated tourist parking identification card.
 13. A systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the computer processor is furtherconfigured to execute the program code to perform steps to: link withthe server the tourist parking identification card through the parkingaccount stored on the server for the agency to an electronic bankingcard, comprising at least one of a credit card and a debit card, for atleast one of the visitors; match with the server an identity of thedriver to the at least one visitor; and provide the tourist parkingspace payment with the server through the electronic banking card.
 14. Asystem according to claim 11, wherein the tourist parking identificationcard is associated with tourist privileges with the server comprising atleast one of extending time limits through the server on parking in thetourist parking spaces, reserving through the server a plurality of thetourist parking spaces for exclusive use by holders of the touristprivileges, offering through the server reduced parking rates on parkingin the tourist parking spaces, offering through the server a day passfor free parking on parking in the tourist parking spaces, offeringthrough the server an all-day rate on parking in the tourist parkingspaces, and extending through the server discounts with merchantslocated in the tourist area.
 15. A system according to claim 11, whereinthe computer processor is further configured to execute the program codeto perform steps to: based on instructions received from the server,remotely trigger at least a portion of the tourist privileges when thedriver checks-in to the nearest smart parking device.
 16. A systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the computer processor is furtherconfigured to execute the program code to perform steps to: based oninstructions received from the server, remotely activate the parkingavailability indicator and other parking availability indicatorsassociated with the tourist parking spaces; and remotely provide avisual indication through the smart parking devices nearest to thetourist parking spaces.
 17. A system according to claim 11, wherein thenearest smart parking device comprises one of a card reader and a camerato remotely read the tourist parking identification card.
 18. A systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the computer processor is furtherconfigured to execute the program code to perform steps to: remotelyauthenticate the tourist parking identification card through the smartparking device nearest to the occupied tourist parking space byverifying through the smart parking device at least one of a codelocated on the tourist parking identification card and the digitalticket associated with the agency that issued the tourist parkingidentification card; and based on instructions received from the server,remotely provide through the smart parking device the tourist parkingprivileges when the tourist parking identification card is authenticatedthrough the smart parking device.
 19. A system according to claim 11,wherein one or more of the smart parking devices each comprise a displayon which based on instructions received from the server those touristparking spaces located within the tourist area are remotely displayed.20. A system according to claim 11, wherein the computer processor isfurther configured to execute the program code to perform steps to:based on instructions received from the server, remotely provide throughthe smart parking device nearest to the occupied tourist parking spaceto the driver at least one of a notice and a receipt after the driverleaves the occupied tourist parking space.